Values

Values

A simple life in the Fear-of- God is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches. Proverbs 15:16 MSG

The above seems to be a comparison between two options: a simple life with the fear of God, or a rich life with a ton of headache. It is important to understand the two positions so we can fully grasp the direction God wants our lives to align with. First of all, what makes a life simple isn't about outward possessions but about inward possession. Whoever/Whatever owns and holds your innermost desires and priorities will determine the simplicity or complexity of your life. It could be position, power, privilege or possessions. When you base your life worth on outward possessions, or seek to define your worth by what you hold, then you have aligned your life with the second position.

A simple life with the fear of God is not a poor life, but a life that has understood purpose and destiny. It understands the concept of stewardship and accountability, and knows that everything s/he holds today is in trust for the real owner - God himself. S/he does not make judgments based on temporal things, but focuses on eternity. The rich life sees him/herself as a self-mad person, whose value and worth is determined by what s/he holds. Unfortunately, there is but little you can hold in your hand. When you have grasped something, you will have to let it go if you will hold something else. If that little is all you can hold to, then you are poor indeed, no matter the value the world places on you. When it is a simple life with the fear of God, then you have everything you need and all to gain. There is no monetary value placed on either position, but trust me, when God says something is better for you, the benefits go far beyond monetary value.

Where do you stand? Can God entrust you with true riches? Would you remain faithful even when things seem to be rosy? Can you trust God to build character in you for the assignments he has ahead of you?