How To Be Rich DevotionalSample

Some Things Money Can't Buy

It's interesting that no matter how sophisticated their mini-civilizations are, the Ùber-rich still manage to feel insecure. Years ago, Sandra and I had dinner with a billionaire couple. We knew they were billionaires because it had been all over the news a few weeks earlier when they sold a company for billions of dollars. While we were having conversation, this couple began talking about all the economic threats we face today. And with a very serious tone, they remarked about how you have to be really careful with your money because there's just no end to the ways you can lose it. Their concern was sincere. And their fear was authentic.

When it was over, Sandra and I just looked at each other and silently communicated what we were thinking: If the billionaires are worried about money, then we're in big trouble! That couple was right about one thing. There are lots of needs that even a billion dollars can't meet.

You don't have to be a Christian to get behind this principle. We've all seen that it doesn't work to count on money for your hope. Like the MasterCard commercial admits, "There are some things money can't buy." It can't buy the priceless things in life. And there comes a time when it can't buy hope either. Because there's no amount of money that can guarantee you hope in any and all circumstances.

Therefore, putting your hope in riches is a dangerous trap. And Jesus knew all about this threat. That's why he had more to say about money and possessions than heaven and hell combined.

Proverbs paints a picture of what can happen when our hope migrates. In fact, the writer concludes that he would rather not be rich so as to avoid this threat. He says, "Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?'" (Proverbs 30:8-9).