Friday, February 21, 2014

Proper Priorities

 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
Proverbs 21:17

My father taught me that it wasn't how much money you made but how you spent the money that determines the quality of your life. He stated that everyone has their own set of priorities on how to spend their earnings. Many were wise and had much to show for their meager income while others never seemed to have enough for the necessities of life. He stated that it was determined by how they set their priorities. Some had rather have a new car or boat than to have a bathroom that functioned properly. As he wisely stated, you must make a choice with each dollar you earn.

Solomon alluded to the same in the verse above - those who care about the pleasures of the world will never be rich. You would think we could have learned by now how to resist such temptations. But, alas, we still waste our money on short-term pleasures.

Are we squandering our most valuable treasure? Do we allow our heart to chase after temporary temptations or are we growing a mature heart that is looking forward to the here-after? Much like our financial situation, our heart may be continually broke if we fail to have the proper priorities. If we get our heart right with God, the rest of our decisions will follow his wise guidance.