Money and wealth is something most people don't really like to talk about especially in the arena of the church. But when you read God's word, He has much to say about it.

If you have ever dealt with a teenager, you hear them complain saying that God is trying to take away the fun by not allowing them to do certain things until they are married... that God is a kill joy because they are not allowed to drink and party like the world. As an adult you will advise differently. You will say things like, "God is just trying to protect you."

But I have to say this: Don't we as adults take on the same attitude as our teens when it comes to dealing with God and our money? We will say somewhat the same thing, "God is just not being fair when He asks us to give."

As God deals with teenagers, He deals with us. It's not that He is trying to make your life miserable but rather He is trying to make it better by keeping you from getting caught up into things you can't handle. Such is the case with Proverbs 23:4

"Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease form your consideration of it."

This world says to be happy you have to be wealthy with a lot of money and a lot of material things. God says, 'Do not run after it'. Why? Because the next few verses explain that you will never catch it. You will spend all of your time and energy trying to gain wealth but you will never be satisfied. You will keep running for more and for more and for more.

The time you spend running after wealth you are not running after God. Hold on to His promise that He will supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory. Is that not enough?

Prayer: "God, help me to be like Paul and be content with what you give me. Help me to try and please you today and not myself."