Christian Living
ROAD TO POVERTY
"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender" (Prov. 22:7). In this regard, my father would caution: "You can’t spend what you don’t have." Or if you do, you suffer the consequences.
In context, "The proverbs of Solomon for the attaining of wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight, for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair. Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance" (Prov. 1:1-3, 5). Much of which would qualify as common sense, but it said the problem with common sense is that it is so uncommon.
As a classical case in point, consider our burgeoning national debt. As a result, we spend an increasing amount of our income without receiving anything in return. Nor is this the only related problem. For instance, this makes it more difficult for us to further our national agenda when in debt to others involved.
First things first. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline" (Prov. 1:7). Grant God his privileged position in life’s equation and other matters tend to fall into place. Fail to do so, and the lesser good we attempt to accomplish inhibits our quest for the greater good. Which is to glorify God, and enjoy his benevolent blessings. So that we might reasonably conclude that it is more often the lesser good than blatant evil that disrupts our righteous resolve.
Other things as they come to pass. For instance, it was God’s intent that humans would act as stewards of his creation. So that we should show a concern for the natural environment in which we live, rather than treat it with disrespect. As if living under a sacred canopy.
Whether in this regard or some other, it is incumbent on us to practice hard love. That is, love that encourages persons to improve, and in so doing, to minister to others. Since God sets the precedent, for given his love of others, he strives to make us lovable.
Qualifications aside, true wealth consists of the opportunity to serve rather than the accumulation of possessions. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal," Jesus cautioned. "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal For where your treasure is there your heart will be also" (Matt. 6:19-21).
This brings to mind an occasion when two of my students came to my desk following the class period. Each had a flower, which they presented to me as a way of showing their appreciation. Was this a welcomed reward for my efforts? Yes, indeed.
All things considered, the worldly road to wealth appears to result in poverty. While the heavenly alternative leads to genuine wealth. Such as the world can not bestow on us, nor take away from us. Along with God’s gracious approval.
"What will heaven be like? It is hard to say in any detail. It will be more glorious than we can imagine. No previous experience will do it justice" (Morris Inch, Whispers of Heaven & Heaven According to Matthew, p. 9). "Still, some of our experiences seem to anticipate heaven in one connection or another. I call these whispers of heaven."
As a case in point, "Mt. Katahdin recalls many memories. Most are good. Some are genuinely exhilarating. If one takes the Hunt Trail, it is 5.2 miles from the foot of Mt. Katahdin to its peak Persons characteristically climb at the crack of dawn" (p. 11).
"I imagine this is what heaven will be like, only better. It will have been a difficult climb, but well worth it. We will have bonded with God and our fellow pilgrims. Sometimes we were tempted to turn back, but now are glad we did not do so." (p. 12).
"What of those who did not make the effort? They will never know what heaven is like. One feels sorry for them." Since they have mistakenly taken the road to poverty.
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The end of the article reminds me of John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, where Christian encounters trials and difficulties but he continues on, and has help from those God sent. I remember a peaceful, picturesque illustration, in words, of heaven in the story.
-Jeff