Wistful Wealth, Worthy Wealth

“Do not toil to acquire wealth;
    be discerning enough to desist.
When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
    for suddenly it sprouts wings,
    flying like an eagle toward heaven.” Proverbs 23:4-5

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…

“Do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:19-21,31-33

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” Luke 16:10-11

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

The images God uses to describe the transience of wealth are vivid and germain to everyday living. Like an eagle toward heaven. Rusted and moth-eaten. Disappearing. Indeed, the fleeting things of man pale in comparison to the eternal treasures of God. What man accumulates for himself is self-serving, what man amasses and implements for God’s eternal kingdom is God-honoring.

The Lord often gives in abundance because He desires His people learn His same motives, lavish freedom, joy, and generosity. He expects us to employ the gifts He bestows. What is important is where our eyes light and what and whom we love. Those with the gift of giving generously set sights on possibilities and love God’s mission in the world. They take great delight in making money and gathering resources because they are able to connect them to vision and need with vibrant mind and open hands. (Romans 12:3,6-8)

What is my honest assessment of wealth? Do I value temporal goods of the world more than the spiritual riches I have been entrusted with in Christ? Are my dreams, desires, and plans more tethered to goods of this world or treasures in the next? What do my weekly expenditures tell of my monetary priorities? Am I inspired by generous donors, or jealous of their lifestyle and ability to give? (Romans 8:32; Ephesians 1:3)

What are some steps we can take to develop faithfulness with the wealth we have? Where can we spend less on ourselves, and more to bless and help others and advance God’s kingdom? When will we take time to pray thoughtfully about our spending habits and stewardship perspective, confessing greed and stinginess, and asking for Christ’s impulses to control our desire and actions? How can we turn wistful wealth to that used in worthy, God-honoring ways?

Lord, help me handle the abundant riches You give with lavish, selfless, joyful generosity for Your kingdom’s sake and the glory of your grace.