Weekly Devotion - #45

Read: Philippians 4:4-13

HOW TO GET RICH QUICK

Americans seem to have a get rich quick personality right now. Many who cannot afford it are pouring billions of dollars into the stock market through retirement accounts and other investments. Many companies are seeing their stock sell for more than 200 times its earnings. It is an age where people want to get-rich-quick . It seems that everyone wants to be a Bill Gates who is worth $36 billion dollars, with his net worth increasing more than $250 million a day.

It seems that everywhere you turn someone has a get rich quick plan to offer you. A best selling book, Reader's Digest, offers a free gift of five million dollars. TV programs offer you a get rich plan if you will only send a few dollars. Then the phone psychics will give you a lucky number and prosperous forecast for the future. You must pay them $2.00 a minute to feed your ego and fantasy of becoming rich. Then locally, at the gas stations, you can always stand in line and buy lottery tickets. You scratch the pads hoping your ticket will win the jack-pot. Then you will get-rich-quick and give the church some money.

But in reality the common person is worried about the stock market, retirement funds, IRA, CDs, and lives from payday to payday. Millions of Americans are pouring billions of dollars into credit cards and making the largest consumer debt ever. High debt above living expenses are increasing bankruptcies and divorces. Debt is always one of the top five problems in life.

The Bible has the simple plan for contentment and happiness. Stop looking at what you do not have and be thankful for what you do have. Some of you are not rich in money, but you have good health that many would give a fortune to possess. You have a nice home and comfort. You have friends and family that are priceless. Your daily needs are met. You have life. Many people in the hospitals would love to swap places with you. They have just been informed that they have cancer or they must face a serious operation.

Be thankful for the many things that you do have. Make the days ahead the best that you have ever known. Paul said, "I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11). [TGC]

THOT: Love people, not things.

TODAY: Accept the place God has put you. Focus on helping others, not getting rich.

This lesson is from  30 Heart Touching Devotions available from SWM.

You have permission to copy for personal and church use.