"Wisdom Cries Out"
A False Sense of Security
“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty...” (Proverbs 3.9-10)
Wealth means two things in our culture: status and security. We are led to believe that if you make enough money and invest well, you can rest easy because your future is secure. Nothing could be farther from the truth (see Luke 12.16-20).
The scriptures remind us “the earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof (Psalm 24.1) and “the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away” (Job 1.21). We may be diligent in our efforts but “every good thing comes from the Lord” (James 1.17), and so we ought to regard wealth through the lens of stewardship NOT selfish gain.
Certainly, we should enjoy God’s blessings towards us (Ecclesiastes 2.22-25); but wealth is not given merely for our pleasure. “To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12.48). As this parable teaches, the master gives with expectation of growth for his good (see Matthew 25.24-27).
We do not honor God by giving of out our abundance (see Luke 21.1-4). We honor him by seeking opportunity to give the first and best of what we have. After all, he gave his best for us (John 3.16; 1 John 4.9).
“Bring your offering and test me, says the LORD of hosts. See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour down blessings until there is no more need.” (Malachi 3.10, paraphrased)
