Temporary

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 10

Gold Nugget

Verse 4: “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”

Commentary

I remember the funny old story about a rich man that made special arrangements to be able to bring all his gold with him to heaven when he died. It took all he had to drag it to the pearly gates where Saint Peter asked, “Whatcha got there old man?” He replied with excitement, “Gold!” At that Peter called out inside the gate, “Tell God the guy’s here to fix the potholes!”

With all of our drive to pursue the things that rust, bust and collect dust, we neglect the things that will never perish. Moms and dads are consumed with gathering unto themselves all that they can, while neglecting their children. Yes, they spend some time with them, but most of it involves teaching them to follow in their parent’s footsteps. They teach them to be consumed by education, sports, working, etc. Although all those things in themselves are okay and even important, they are only supposed to be supporting elements to a greater focus.

The greater focus is to prepare them, not for an education, not for employment and not for retirement, but for eternity. If we prepare ourselves and our children for an education, work and retirement and fail to prepare them for eternity, we have failed them and ourselves miserably. Today’s “gold nugget” says, “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” Everything we do here on earth is building up to something greater or worse. What are you building up to? What are you teaching your children to build up to?

Prayer

Lord, it is easy to get caught up in the things of this world. Remind us that we are a people on a mission and we are to be about our Father’s business. Don’t allow us to get lost in the forest for the trees. Amen

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