A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish. (Ps. 49:20)
I ONCE HAD a yellow Lab. She was the smartest, sweetest, most obedient dog ever. Many a morning we walked around the block, watching the slivers of light streak across the morning sky. Abbey was as obedient as they come. But obedience does not bring understanding. Understanding comes only with the ability to think and reason. And Abbey was not given that gift. That has only been given to human beings.
By the same token, God didn’t create wealth and riches for mere creature comforts—so we could just eat, drink, and be merry. Rather, He created them so we could use them for the building of His kingdom. Everything we have is God’s. He owns and bestows it upon whom He chooses. How we use what is given is up to us. We can use it either for good or for evil.
An animal will not make a wise decision based on understanding. An animal makes a wise decision only out of obedience. The Lord gave us brains and minds. He wants us to understand and use His gifts for His people and kingdom.
So the next time a person in need comes across your path, ask the Lord what He would have you do to bless that individual. What can you do to help him or her experience the kingdom of heaven here on earth?
Set your wealth before the Lord and ask how He would have you use it for His glory.
Marty Norman is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is an avid reader, loves to hike, and is passionate about mission work.
