Hi
Today’s Holy Nougat got me a bit stirred up. I pray it’s a blessing to you also.
““Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”” Luke 12:21 NLT
Something is wrong with this equation isn’t it? Because many of us get preoccupied with wealth acquisition and are less active in our efforts to secure our spiritual wealth. In fact, isn’t the way life is nowadays?
But according to Luke, in His parable, Jesus sought to ensure that our focus reverted Godwards, not in other sources (especially wealth acquisition). If we were to do a quick evaluation of our life priorities, what or Who gets first dibs on our time and energies? Not what we Say is our priority but Where we place our energies. Is it God or mammon?
Interestingly enough, in the parable that preceded this dictum, the rich man was preoccupied with expanding his investment portfolio when tragedy struck – he died suddenly. I wonder though, about the opposite, when the stock fails, or the wealth diminishes; would that have been tragic?
Given the vagaries of our present realities, I’d argue that the impact of Covid-19 is a case of both-and. There has been sudden loss of life, AND also a fiscal crisis. So many businesses have gone bankrupt or in receivership. And we ain’t seen nothing yet. With those that have already gone insolvent, there’s been a matching line-up or rather a proportionate rise in unemployment. Abuse, mental health issues and suicide is also likely to be a consequence. Partly because we (I include myself here) tend to quantify ‘worth’ in terms of the material; rather than the spiritual.
Christ’s invitation is for us to do the opposite.
When Christ is first, the rest CAN and WILL be sorted out. For many of us, there was life before investments and venture capital. And, weird though it sounds, there was also life before employment! Yeah, it might have been our parents doing the employment/income generation during that time of our childhood; but how much more so can we expect God to provide in this time?!
Don’t believe me because I suggest this (I am still employed). Rather test God for your own self. Opt for relationship First and see how God responds. And for each time God disappoints, ask why. Check to see whether you missed a blessing or a lesson. The facts might astound you! If, God does come through and provide; don’t keep it to yourself – testify. Tell others about the awesomeness of God in trying times. Live the experience publicly. Be witness to what a profoundly wealthy relationship with Jesus looks like.
And watch what happens next.
As for me, I’m repenting. I am going to shift my focus back to my first love For my health, wealth and sanity, I gotta.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
