The difference God makes

[Do not] trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.— 1 Timothy 6:17

One evening a news program devoted its entire broadcast to the problems of many young athletes who suddenly become multimillionaire sports celebrities. They start out buying expensive cars, living luxuriously, and partying. Then they get into immoral conduct and illicit drugs. Soon their careers are in shambles.

The writer of Ecclesiastes could have emphatized with these young athletes. In chapter 6, he illustrated the emptiness of a life that has wealth and riches but does not include God. Two men are portrayed. The first is either workaholic or a playboy. He is a quick success but is unhappy and dies with no heirs (vv. 1-2). The second lives longer and has many children but is also unfulfilled and dies unloved (vv. 3-6). The writer concluded that it is better not to have lived at all than to be rich and famous but miserable!

The apostle Paul said that when we give God control of our lives, earthly blessings can be enjoyed, for He “gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17). And when we use money to do good, we are using it for God’s eternal purposes, and we “lay hold on the true life” (a literal translation of verse 19). A bright future and a joy-filled present — that’s the difference God makes! — Herbert Vander Lugt

You may have much gold and grandeur;

Yet by God be reckoned poor;

He alone has riches truly

Who has Christ, though nothing more.— Anon.

READ: Ecclesiastes 6:1-6

To be rich in God is better

than to be rich in goods.

The Bible in one year:

• Leviticus 17-19