Topic: WHERE ARE YOU TRULY PILING UP YOUR TREASURE?
Bible Reading: Psalm 90-92; Romans 11:1-21.
Memory Verse: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (KJV)
Recently, a notable banker died in my country and it brings to fore the folly of gathering so much wealth on earth. The man built a new mansion worth about $20m and stayed there for about two months before he died. He left behind all his wealth and it raises further question as to why a man is running around so much to gather a lot of wealth in this world when in a matter of minutes, the race on earth will be over. I pondered over it and checked with artificial intelligence who was the richest man in the world in the last one, two, three, four and five hundred years ago and the result stunned me. It could not say for certain who it was, rather I was given the likely candidate! So if the richest man just a hundred years ago cannot be easily ascertained, then what is the race for wealth on earth for knowing that no one can go with anything. And it is so sad because even the top hierarchy church leaders are often caught in the race these days!
When you have slept in the Lord, what happens to your wealth on earth? Is it not time that believers begin to show the way to the rest of the world on how to treat wealth acquired by giving it generously to the needy? The Bible is precise on what to do with the wealth. It says in Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV), “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: [21] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” And this can be done by giving to the cause of the poor and needy. And in fact, we have a lot of them on earth! In Matthew 25:31-40; the Lord Jesus said when you cater for the hungry, strangers, sick, homeless and prisoners, you will be catering for him! And will be so rewarded.
While it is good to work hard and gather wealth to take care of your needs and those of your family, the desire for wealth should not be at the expense of your life or that of others. Several people have sold their conscience because of wealth, forgetting the word of God that says: “For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” Luke 9:25 (ESV). This is why Moses prayed to God and said in Psalm 90:12 (KJV), “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
But really how many still apply their hearts to wisdom when money comes to play; when in the midst of many top people the discussion is often how they can acquire more houses in different locations, get this deal or do that transaction to make so much money? Hardly do you hear about what they intend to do to ameliorate the sufferings of people with a significant portion of their wealth. It keeps me wondering, how many people are truly focused on the heavenly race.
It is time to take stock and begin to focus on how to use the significant portion of what God has blessed you with, for the benefit of the masses, particularly those who are above fifty and are quite comfortable financially.
Action Point: Examine yourself and make necessary adjustment on where you are piling up your wealth.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero
