August 6, 2017 (Proverbs 28:20)

“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished” (Prov 28:20). The writer of this proverb was intimately familiar with the great importance of having a correct identity regarding his life. A person described as being faithful is he or she who is keeping the priorities revealed to us from heaven in proper balance. In brief, such can be summarized by Jesus’ teaching disciples in the sermon on the mount, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all   these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). The Son of God is committing the resources of heaven as needed to those who faithfully orient their lives in such a manner that advancing the kingdom of God (His authority and dominion in our lives) holds the foremost desire of our heart. This contrasts with those caught in the deceptive snare of materialism which rages out of control in industrialized nations. Endless desire for that which is the ‘latest’ has multitudes hastening to be rich so as to not miss out on what is capturing the attention of others. Such coveting of money and what money can bring to their lives is greed which the scriptures call idolatry. Most in America do not sit under teachers who set a Christ-like example, especially those attending the ever-fashionable megachurches where spiritual leaders often live in gross self-indulgence. But Almighty God describes Himself as “jealous” and will not tolerate people having any other gods before Him: “For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God” (Exodus 20:3,5). There is coming a Day of accountability, and those whose greatest priority in life is a lifestyle characterized by materialism “will not go unpunished.” The message of this proverb is deserving of sober consideration by the church in America in these last days.