The Pros and Cons of Wealth

The definition of temporary is "lasting a limited time; not permanent."

The definition of eternal is "having infinite duration; everlasting."

Whatever possessions and materials you have on earth, the Bible says they are not permanent. Our focus should be on what is eternal.

Psalms 37:16-17 (NIV) says, "Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

Last week, we talked about how the ways of the wicked will not last because God knows their days are numbered. The same is true for the wealth of wicked people. Jesus speaks to this in Matthew 16:26 when He says, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"

If the wealth of the wicked is temporary, then why do we pursue that lifestyle? Why do so many people find it is a better deal to accept wealth on earth and neglect Jesus in eternity?

Wealth can be used for good on earth. It can help lots of people who are suffering. It can lead to the spread of the gospel to unreached people groups. However, we must be careful not to let wealth on earth be our focus. Our focus is on eternity and Jesus.

The wealth of the wicked is temporary. It may be tempting to be jealous of others who have more than you. But when you look at life from an eternal perspective, you know that your treasures await you in Heaven.

Sources: Merriam Webster and Bible Ref