When Our Money Fails!
I have made a habit of reading a Proverb each day
corresponding with the day of the month for several years. I rotate between
five Psalms a day one month and then one Proverb a day the next month. Then I start again. It seems I learn something
new, or am reminded of a truth, or principle that I had put on the shelf in my
mind and forgotten.
This morning I read this - Proverbs
27:23-27 (NKJV) Be
diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds; 24
For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure
to all generations. 25 When the hay is removed, and the
tender grass shows itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, 26
The lambs will provide your clothing, And the goats the
price of a field; 27 You shall have enough goats' milk
for your food, For the food of your household, And the nourishment of your
maidservants.
The application of these verses as it relates to our money and
livelihood caught my attention again. Here was some Godly wisdom, from probably
Solomon, on the foundation of living in his world, and it also applies to ours
today. Three principles stood out to me and I pray will encourage you today as
we realize that the value of our dollars and our assets can change very
quickly. Here is what God revealed to me:
1. We
need to develop a dedication to our vocations.
Solomon advises us to be diligent and
watchful in our work. A good work ethic and commitment is of great value as it
will pay dividends down the road. A person who is talented, but not dependable,
will always take a back seat to someone who will be there when you need them.
2. We
should realize our money may not always be there.
We are all aware of how our economy can go
from robust to recession in just a few short weeks. Inflation can take its toll
on our purchasing ability and cash flow. With everything that is going on in
our nation and world we know we cannot depend too much on the value of our
dollars.
3. We can
trust that our effort and commitment will be worth it.
Solomon tells us that this man’s flocks
(his work) will sustain him in the tough times. His flock will provide
clothing, money for the purchase of a field, milk for their food, and
nourishment for his servants. Our money could be worth nothing one day, but
someone who has shown an ability and desire to work for his/her living will
find opportunities to meet their needs.
Our
world constantly speaks of investing in things, but maybe God is saying it is
of far greater value to invest in our commitment to what He has given us. Always
remember that He is in control. Trust in
Him most of all. Just saying…
