Who's First? God or Wealth?

The truth of God’s Word stands unmatched, a beacon of divine wisdom that reveals the very heart of His ways. It guides us with clarity, instructing us on what is righteous and what to avoid. It is not merely a set of instructions but a call to live with purpose and holiness.

Reflecting on the Word has reminded me of our true mission on this earth. Life is not just a cycle of birth, growth, education, work, pleasure, procreation, and death. Genesis declares that we were created in the image of God—created holy, set apart. Our ultimate purpose is to serve God in holiness, preparing for His imminent return.

Whether you are rich or poor, the mandate remains the same: to honor and serve the Lord. Scripture emphasizes this truth, declaring, “Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”

I confess, I have a love for the finer things—luxurious cars, grand homes, exquisite meals, designer clothes, and the thrill of travel. If it were within my power, I would savor life with abandon. Yet, the Word has been quietly reshaping me, teaching me the virtues of contentment and humility.

We are where we are, not by chance but by God’s design. Our financial state, whether abundant or sparse, is part of His divine allowance. Gratitude should be our posture, contentment our crown. Striving for success is not sinful, but when it becomes our life's obsession, we stray from God’s plan. True wealth is found in the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rich or poor, all face the same end—returning to dust, leaving every earthly possession behind. As Job profoundly stated, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Riches are not inherently evil, but they must never lead us to arrogance or cause us to trample others. Jeremiah warns us:

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, nor the mighty man in his might, nor the rich man in his riches. But let him who glories, glory in this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness on the earth. For in these, I delight,” says the Lord.

We are reminded that wealth can be perilous. As 1 Timothy 6:10 declares, “The love of money is the root of all evil, which some have coveted, causing them to stray from the faith and pierce themselves with many sorrows.”

Even biblical figures like Job, Solomon, Jacob, and Abraham were wealthy. The difference? Their wealth did not rule them; instead, they used it to honor and glorify God. Revelation 3:17 warns against the deception of riches:

“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.”

This is why I stand against the prosperity gospel. The words of Jesus in Mark 14:7 resonate deeply:

“The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.”

If the Lord Himself acknowledged the perpetual presence of poverty, why exhaust ourselves in a relentless chase for riches? Not all are destined for wealth. Instead, let us work diligently, striving to improve our lives honestly and honorably. If blessings come, let us glorify God; if not, let us glorify Him still. Contentment is the hallmark of a faithful heart.

Everything belongs to the Lord. He is the ultimate Giver and Sustainer. As the psalmist declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”

With the same fervor we apply to worldly pursuits, let us seek the Kingdom of God with even greater passion. For as Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

May our lives be a reflection of this truth: that in God alone lies our purpose, our peace, and our eternal treasure always reminding ourselves that, a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.