DEVOTION - SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2011

SATURDAY, July 16, 2011

“what has worth?”

BY

Pastor Bob Coy

Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble. Proverbs 15:16 (NKJV)

How do you define what you’re worth? Is it predicated on what this world deems as valuable, or do you base your definition of value on something else, something more spiritual and supernatural?

We know how Solomon, the man who penned Proverbs 15:16, would answer this question. He tells us point-blank that it’s better to have “a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble.”

When he refers to “the fear of the Lord,” he’s speaking of a human heart being in right relationship with God. There’s humility and respect for Him, and along with that comes a nearness to Him. It describes a close connection and communion with the Lord.

Notice that having that with little else is better than great treasure with trouble. Solomon, who was the wealthiest man in the world, says that no amount of worldly wealth can compare to being in a right relationship with God. There’s a double-edged application that goes along with this.

First, those who lack in money are free from the world’s definition of wealth. But if they’re in a right relationship with the Lord, they’re wealthy in a way that far exceeds any amount of money or treasure. That’s liberating!

Secondly, for those who have earthly wealth, there’s a purifying perspective. They learn their earthly wealth isn’t the “be all, end all” in life. Although the world may value and venerate them because of their riches, their truest value can only come from being right with God. That’s sobering!

Regardless of where you find yourself financially, remember what’s truly valuable in life…your relationship with God. So let that define what you’re worth.

Think About It…

What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?