Can Earthy Riches Really Satisfy Us?

“Those who want to become rich bring temptation to themselves and are caught in a trap. They want many foolish and harmful things that ruin and destroy people.”- 1 Timothy 6:9

Riches of this world like money, having many houses, several fancy cars, or having a high paying job can never make us truly happy. Sometimes it is the cause of evil. If our only desire is to have it all, then it can have a negative impact on our actions and thoughts in sinful ways. It can lead a person into temptation in doing evil like committing fraud, gambling, perjury, theft or even murder.

It happened to Judas; he betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. His love of money caused him to turn against Jesus by turning Him over to the chief priests to be crucified (Matthew 26:14-16). We can easily do the same. Matthew 6:24 warns us that, “no one can serve two masters. The person will hate one master and love the other or will follow one master and refuse to follow the other. You cannot serve both God and worldly riches.”

The good news is that God did not create us to desire riches above Him, but unfortunately sin gets in the way. When we are content with what we have, God helps us stay focused on our true treasure that is in heaven, where nothing can be destroyed or taken away from us (Matthew 6:4, Hebrews 13:5). So, can earthy riches really satisfy us? —No, “it is worthless to have the whole world if we lose our souls. We could never pay enough to buy back for our souls (Matthew 16:26).”

Prayer of the day:

Dear heavenly Father,

You can only make us happy, not even riches have the power to do it. You made us to truly love You more than anything else. Nothing on earth can fill our hearts and lives with true treasure like You. Everything You provide us shows how merciful and kind You are. That is why nothing else can satisfy us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!