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A true and certain defense

Wealth is elusive - we seek it through career moves, investments, and maybe even through inheritance. Billy Graham once said, "When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost." Many put all their hope and trust in the wealth they can attain on this earth, almost lording it over others who don't 'possess' as much as they do. Kevin Gates reminded us that "true wealth is not of the pocket, but of the heart and of the mind." 

The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety. Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor. (Proverbs 18:11-12)

Our wealth on this earth will never be a very strong defense. Inflation will dwindle what we have amassed, markets will crash our faith in what we have invested, and illness can destroy both our ability to amass or enjoy what we have laid aside. Our greatest wealth is what we find within relationship with Jesus. When we are willing to lay down our own pursuit of things and monies, finding contentment in Christ alone, very little of what we 'lay-up' on this earth really matters anymore.

The 'wealth' of this world only leads one to seek more. It doesn't fulfill us. Some of the 'wealthiest' men have been the most miserable, isolated, and depraved in our society. It might not appear to 'hinder' our relationships with each other, but it has a way of driving a wedge. We begin to fear others will abuse our wealth, befriending us because of what they can gain, so we isolate. We imagine the various ways it can all be taken from us, so we obsess with ways to 'protect' it. Earthly wealth doesn't bring 'fulfillment' in any permanent way, causing us to look for 'another way' to find contentment.

True contentment of heart, mind, and emotions comes when we realize our greatest 'wealth' is the relationship we have with Christ. Instead of focusing on the 'strong defense' of earthly wealth, wouldn't it be wiser to settle into the true and lasting 'defense' of living devoted to Christ? Just askin...
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