It is hard to let go of our ways and rely on God, but scripture teaches us to “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God”. It may seem we gain and receive by our own hand, but truly all that is given to us has been allowed by God(Philippians 4:6-8).

 The world will make you think the more you have the better you are doing, and nothing could be further from the truth. There are endless sad stories of people who seem as though they had it all like million dollar homes or the finest this world offers yet commit suicide. I’d like to say here that there is nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of your labor as this is a blessing from God, it is when things take preeminence over having what’s needed and being content with what we have. We see this lesson and it’s jeopardy by the story of the rich man who asked Jesus what must he do to inherit eternal life? Jesus reply gives us the great answer of putting God and not things in the center of our lives.(Mark 10:17-25) And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

 It is good to have the means of life, but when storing up riches are more important we need to remember this life is temporary, and know there is an eternal life we should be striving for!(1 Timothy 6:17-19) Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

 While some believe large amounts of money, diamonds and real estate are of great value, it is of no importance when we pass away since we carry nothing out of this life (Psalm 49:6-8) They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)

 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him. Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself. He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light. Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish. (Psalm 49:16-20).