Wednesday: The Allure of Wealth

BIG IDEA: Distracted men produce a divided people

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 10:14-15   

"Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, besides that which came from the explorers and from the business of the merchants, and from all the kings of the west and from the governors of the land."

Matthew 6:24 ESV 

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

Solomon's substantial wealth acquisition symbolizes the seductive power of materialism. The Scriptures warn of the traps wealth can set, turning our hearts from God to the allure of financial security. While prosperity itself is not sinful, the pursuit and prioritization of wealth over God can lead to a spiritually detrimental path. Solomon, despite his wisdom, allowed the riches he accumulated to become more than mere possession; they became a distraction that distanced him from God.

Sometimes I catch myself thinking or saying, “If I just won, the lottery, I would do (name whatever you might do).”  As if being rich is the answer. The truth is, God allows us whatever resources He allows us so that we can steward it in ways that bring Him glory.  This situation with Solomon serves as a compelling reminder to evaluate our relationship with material goods. Jesus taught that we cannot serve both God and money, emphasizing the necessity of placing our trust and devotion solely in God. It challenges us to use our resources wisely and view them through the lens of stewardship under God’s guidance.

Action Step:  

Examine your financial priorities and consider how you might better use your resources to serve God and support His work. Are you giving back to God? Are you living within your means? Are you spending and stewarding what you have wisely?

Prayer:  

Lord, help me to keep a healthy perspective on material possessions. Let my heart be rich in love and service towards You, using my resources as tools to further Your kingdom. Amen.

Song: 

Christ Is Enough.  Christ Is Enough - Hillsong Worship