Hello to you. I pray you are having an a wonderful Wednesday. I share my thoughts on Today’s Scripture. In my devotional today, I was blessed to remember why it is important to focus on heavenly matters. Our hope is in Christ. Today’s Scripture is: Proverbs 23:4-5 – “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” 

I do have to add references. Proverbs 27:24 “for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.” Also, Proverbs 8:20-21 –  “I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love Me and making their treasuries full.” These Scripture references stood out to me in a big way.

The statement that “a crown is not secure for all generations” was illuminated to me. Why? Because there is a tendency to make sure we set up the younger generation financially—familial, so they do not have to fight like we did for what we have obtained. However, there is no guarantee for the future. “The crown is not secure” was illuminated because it tells me that God has to work in the heart of each individual. This statement includes our children.

They cannot rest on our laurels with God. They must create their own. They can be inspired and motivated by our example in their own relationship with God. This is not to say that we shouldn’t prepare our kids for the future financially. The point is to remember that much of the fighting you experienced led to growth in God, refining, and preparation for God’s purpose in your life. Preparation is important, but it should not be the primary focus. The primary focus must be God, through Christ Jesus by His Holy Spirit.

As an advocate of growth and personal development, I am also reminded that when these areas become obsessive, I have to regroup.  I must remember whose I am and who I am. It happens smoothly and somewhat deceptively when the focus changes. When God is suddenly on the back burner and you think, “How and when did that happen?”

Because financial status is so magnified in the culture today, it has certainly become an idol for many. It is false security that having financial wealth is the end-all. The wicked will answer to Christ, just as the righteous. Many get by for now, but none will get away. Hebrews 9:27-28 – “Just as people are destined to die once, after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.”

Culminating this point, believers need to make sure the true, rich inheritance for our children is to love God, making their treasuries full. All the money in the world cannot bring back or buy back a life.

Be blessed and encouraged.