The other day I received a letter saying that I am still in the running to win the Reader's Digest Sweepstakes. I imagine that all the millions of people who received this notice would like to be the winner. But winning all that money might not be good for some of us. Sudden wealth could hurt us spiritually.
Agur, the writer of Proverbs 30, didn't ask God for wealth. He was afraid that if he were rich he might feel self-sufficient and try to live without God (vv.8-9).
Yet some very godly people in the Bible were rich. Many Israelites had great wealth, and because of that they were able to provide lavishly for the building of the temple. This led David to declare, "Both riches and honor come from You" (1 Chronicles 29:12).
We can be thankful for what some wealthy Christians do with their money. I know a family who gives hundreds of thousands of dollars to Christian causes annually. What good their riches accomplish!
The fact remains, however, that not all of us can be trusted with great wealth. So don't set your heart on it. Instead, thank God for what you have, and be content. Then faithfully honor Him with what He has given you. —HVL — Herbert Vander Lugt
If we've been blessed with riches,
We should be rich in deeds;
God wants us to be generous
In meeting others' needs. —Sper
Wealth is a double blessing when it's used for the blessing of others.