Does God need our money? Of course not! He makes it clear that man’s standard of wealth, precious metals and jewels in this case, is of so little value that in the new heaven and earth it will be used for building purposes. They will be used to construct buildings and will be trod upon in the streets. What God wants first and foremost is a vital living relationship with us.
Unfortunately, human relationships can go awry when money comes into the picture. Material success brings with it loneliness. You may sense a growing discomfort and even separation from former friends who wonder why you were blessed with riches and they were passed by. Members of your church may question your spirituality—particularly if they haven’t taken the time to get to know you. After all, the Bible says it’s easier to get a camel through the eye of a needle than it is for a wealthy person to enter heaven, so some people believe that being wealthy is evil.
The hardest relationships for me to sort out, however, are the ones that give me mixed signals. I find myself wondering, “Does this organization or person really want my advice, or is this some kind of mating dance so that they can get their hands on my wallet?” I can’t read people’s minds, but I do know what is on God’s mind. He clearly loves me just as I am, not because of my possessions.
Response: Thank you, Lord, for Your wondrous gift of your Son. Help me to value myself so that I can understand your unconditional love for me. Help me to put the right perspective on those who desire my wealth and don’t value me. Help me forgive: ______, who has hurt me by valuing me for what I can do for them.
Think About This: Wealth often brings pride along with it. Who do I know that is wealthy and humble? Do I need to spend some time with them in order to discover their secret?
About the Author: Jim DeVries graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in mechanical engineering. In 1979, he began a medical device company, DLP Inc, which he sold to Metronic Inc. in 1984. The company at that time had operations in three European countries and sold products to open heart centers worldwide. While working in the medical field, Jim receive over 50 patents in the areas of open-heart surgery and cell separation.
Jim’s devotional e-book, Work, Wealth, Wisdom & Worship: Meditations for Leaders, is available on Amazon.