And he {Jesus} said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15

If you had never read another verse in the Bible this verse should demonstrate to you that Gods ways are not our ways. {Isaiah 55:8} .

Jesus tells us that our lives are not measured by how wealthy we are or how successful we are.

The things that men often think are important are not all that important to God.

We are indoctrinated from an early age that “getting things” is what really matters.

We are instructed that acquiring wealth is what life is all about.

Being successful is the goal.

But God seems to say exactly the opposite.

The Bible says, Jesus “lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 

Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.”  {Luke 6}

Of course it is not wrong to be successful, nor is it wrong to be wealthy.

The Bible tells of many of Gods people who were wealthy.

But the Bible also gives us many warnings concerning riches.

A lot of folks have destroyed themselves trying to become wealthy. And a lot of folks have destroyed themselves once they got there.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” I Timothy 6:6-11

No, God doesn’t look at things like we do.

What impresses us, doesn’t seem to impress God.

What we think would make us happy could bring us trouble.

We shouldn’t look for “our best life now”.

Jesus said “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

“A sovereign Providence breaks men’s measures, and blasts their hopes, and teaches them that the way of man is not in himself, but subject to the divine will. We must use means, but not trust to them; if we succeed, we must give God the praise; if we be crossed, we must acquiesce in His will and take our lot.” –Matthew Henry

What we want and what God wants for us may be and probably is two different things.

“…Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” 

Jesus tells us to seek Him and His kingdom…In the long run nothing else is going to matter. – Brother Shawn