This last week, we looked at the Preacher's take on riches in Ecclesiastes 5. We're all so tempted to look to our bank accounts as indicators of whether we can feel good about ourselves and have confidence for the future. But through that passage, God reminded us that wealth on the earth isn't all it's made out to be. Money always disappoints us in the moment and never comes through for us in the end. That's just part of the way God's ordained things: only He satisfies us fully in Christ... and He's not about to be replaced.
In order to help my family think this through, I'm considering a little book I've just run across. It's by Greg Dutcher, a seasoned pastor who recently started a church in Maryland. The book is called You are the Treasure that I Seek... but there's a lot of cool stuff out there, Lord. Interesting title... I hope the book will be a help to me as I try to subdue Here's a little blurb about it:
With honesty, humor, and compassion, author Greg Dutcher addresses a contemporary problem that most Christians aren’t even aware of: idolatry. He reminds his readers that there is a battle to be fought, and what is at stake is our lives, the lives of others, and, most importantly, the reputation of Christ Himself. With winsome anecdotes, references to modern culture, biblical references, and nods to respected theologians such as Charles Spurgeon, John Piper, and C. S. Lewis, Dutcher makes us aware of the problem, helps us isolate it, and then gives us the weapons to contain it. Study questions at the end of each chapter make this a great individual or group Bible study.
Anyway, I thought I'd list a few closing points from the sermon on Sunday:
How are we to fight materialism and gain treasure that lasts for eternity?
1. Kill those things that threaten your contentment in Christ.
2. Beware of a growing anxiety about your stuff.
3. Beware of a growing greed about other's stuff.
4. Give generously to God's work and others in need.
5. Be grateful (with your words) about your current lot.
6. Most importantly, strengthen your satisfaction in Christ alone.
Praying it helps us to use our wealth as a foundation for our futures,
Darren
