Pr. 13:7: “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.”
This Proverb is actually the one that spoke to me on Saturday, but I was unable to get to a computer that day. However, this morning I cannot pass it up to move on to another.
I read Luke 5 on Saturday, as well, and was touched by verse 11, which describes the decision/actions of James, John, and Simon. “…they forsook all and followed Him.”
These men gave up their plans, their businesses, and their comforts of home to follow Jesus. What a lovely example of sacrifice they set for us.
Truly they made themselves poor, but as we know, they were far richer in following Jesus than they had ever been before they knew and served Him.
Making ourselves rich is not always the most profitable. Having possessions does not always mean we have the most.
If our efforts to fit in, to possess, to take the common path, or to attain more for security, we often become poorer and poorer in spirit. We run out of time for prayer. (I’ll pray on the way to work) In talking about our plans, we run out of time to talk about the Lord when we sit in our house, walk by the way, lie down, or rise up. (Deut. 6)
We’re so busy trying to catch up on our sleep and get things done that the Word of God sits neglected on the shelf. (I’m sure a devotional email will come through during the day. I will slow down then to read it.) Slowly, but surely, our spirit is undervalued and decay begins.
We cannot see the neglect caused to our spirits with physical eyes, the way we can see the deterioration of a house or a pet; however, the decline is still very real.
Following Jesus may me we have less earthly wealth or possessions. Serving Jesus may mean we have to abandon relationships that stand between us and Him. Serving Him may mean we have to change our own plans in order to do His will.
Following Jesus; however, will make us far richer in the things that truly matter. We cannot undervalue our spiritual health and expect to become richer in Him. We must invest in ourselves and our relationship with the One who matters most of all. Riches will follow.
Following Him,
jamie
considering the word 