FINANCES: What other investments exist besides money?

  "For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it."  Ecclesiastes 7:12  (KJV)

One of the purposes of money is defense. God does not want His people to suffer under the oppression of debt or waste away from the lack of resources. God is the great provider. He demonstrated His care every day for forty years while the Israelites crossed the wilderness. Money is one of the ways God provides a defense against the evil of this world. But it's easy to slip from the defensive posture to the belief that money is intended to make us self-sufficient. Solomon warns us about this mistake.

Solomon, the richest man who ever lived, recognizes the legitimate purpose of money. But he also sees that the only real treasure is something that cannot be purchased: wisdom. In the Bible, the word for "wisdom" does not mean the astute application of information.  Wisdom is the Biblical term for behavior that pleases God. Wisdom is godly thinking in action. Solomon knows that money is no security at all if it is not backed by a life devoted to God. Money is God's gift, not my reward. And if I live my life with the accumulation of money as my highest priority, I will soon discover that the gift giver requires more of me than a large bank account. I will wake up one day only to realize that in spite of my wealth, I am desperately poor in the things that matter most. For what will a man or woman trade for their soul? Money has its uses, but it is not the real goal at all.

One of the greatest joys of this current, extra time we're spending at home is hearing about the blessings that people are finding getting more time with each other. There are other items you will also, hopefully, take advantage of. More Bible reading, going through a Bible study with your spouse or kids, getting a new degree or certification online, improving your conditioning, more time on your knees with God. Money is a blessing, but there are untold riches that the soul cherishes even if cash-flow has been negatively impacted right now.  God is a God of the future. Therefore be aware, the non-monetary things He's made available for you to invest in today may very well be the true riches of tomorrow.

With God, all things are possible

Dr. Ben
#cccmovement