Jesus said, “Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Many believe an abundance of possessions and wealth would be the end of all worry and care. Still, the happiest people in the world are not millionaires. They are troubled with constant demands from every quarter — the poor, the needy, charitable institutions, institutions of higher learning and more. They may worry about labor costs, regulations and taxes. Don’t envy the wealthy. You may possess more real wealth than many wealthy people. Remember, “life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Life’s richest blessings can’t be purchased with silver or gold. Before healing a lame man at the Beautiful Gate, Peter declared, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, walk!”
The man ran and jumped for joy. He found something worth more than millions of dollars. Who would not rather have health than all the gold in the world? Focus upon what you have, not upon what you don’t have. If you enjoy good health, you’re a millionaire. You can purchase good health care, but not good health.
If you have a happy home, you have something money can’t buy. You can buy a house, but not a home. When Jesus sought to give a picture of heaven, he called it home — his “Father’s house.” Paul would write death for the believer is “to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” A good home is a touch of heaven.
If you have good friends, you have true riches. One is poor indeed who has no friends. Friends share the good times and help shoulder the bad times. Friends are for life.
Last week, Cathy and I spotted a high school friend at a Reno restaurant. In minutes, we were getting caught up in each others’ lives and reminiscing, too. “He who has one thousand friends has not a friend to spare.” He’s rich!
Everyone who lives in the United States of America is rich. Our poorest are rich by the world’s standards. Our freedoms are unsurpassed. In America, every man is a king, and every woman is a queen.
If you’re in Christ, then you’re a coheir with Jesus. You share in all he possesses. And he possesses life — eternal life. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and more! He offers you life as a gift. Will you accept it?
Too often we envy people who possess an abundance of things they can never keep. When was the last time you saw a U-Haul following a hearse?
Hear the word of God! “Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” “Give thanks in all circumstances.” “Rejoice in the Lord always!” “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength!”
You’re richer than you know. Count your many blessings, and thank God!
Happy Millionaires
By Anonymous
And then I stopped to buy some sweets.
The lad who sold them had such charm
I talked with him — he seemed so glad —
If I were late ‘twould do no harm.
And as I left he said to me: ‘I thank you,
You have been so kind.
It’s nice to talk with folks like you.’
‘You see,’ he said, ‘I’m blind.’
O God forgive me when I whine.
I have two eyes. The world is mine.
“Later, walking down the street, I saw a
Child with eyes of blue,
He stood and watched the others play;
It seemed he knew not what to do.
I stopped a moment, then I said: ‘Why
Don’t you join the others, dear?’
He looked ahead without a word, and
Then I knew — he could not hear.
O God forgive me when I whine.
I have two ears. The world is mine.
With legs to take me where I’d go —
With eyes to see the sunset’s glow —
With ears to hear what I would know —
O God forgive me when I whine.
I’m blessed indeed. The world is mine.
Ken Haskins is pastor of First Christian Church in Carson City.
