In review of Ecclesiastes 5:15 it says, “We leave this world just as we entered it—with nothing. In spite of all our work there is nothing we can take with us” (GNT).
I shouldn’t depend on money to make myself happy. Instead use what I have for the Lord. God wants me to view what I have with the right perspective, that my possessions are a gift from Him. I need to focus more on the giver than the gift. I can be content with what I have when I realize that with God I have everything I need. And at the end of this life, I won't take anything with me. Therefore it's good to eat, drink, and enjoy work during the short life given to me and to accept my lot in life. It's a good thing to receive wealth from God and good health to enjoy it. To enjoy my work and accept my lot in life, is indeed a gift from God.
If I don’t get any credit for my wealth when I get to heaven and I’m going to leave it all behind, then what is the purpose of amassing it here on earth?
Some might say they intend to leave their fortune to their kids. But studies have shown that most of the time, inherited wealth does more damage than good to the next generation.
A few years ago Inc. magazine published an article about whether parents should pass their money on to the next generation. They interviewed children of entrepreneurs, many of whom said they would prefer their parents leave them the knowledge of how to get money rather than the money itself. In other words, they didn’t want the result of their parents’ labor. They wanted an example of their labor. They understood that you can’t appreciate what you don’t work for. Inherited wealth tends to breed irresponsibility.
Nobody had more to leave his family than King Solomon in the Old Testament. He acquired more wealth than almost anyone else in history. He left everything to his son—his wealth, his rule, his power, his treasures. But as I read, I find it ruined his son’s life. Rehoboam was a moral washout who couldn’t handle what he hadn’t worked for himself.
It is not a sin to want to make more money. It is not wise, however, to stockpile more money than I need so that I can leave it to somebody who may not be able to handle it.
Instead, I need to learn to use my money wisely now. Spend the money I have—whether it’s a little or a lot—on getting more people into heaven. Rather than leaving my children a large inheritance that they won’t know how to handle, leave them an example of generosity. When I do, I’ll be making an investment for eternity.
In summary, I'll leave this world just as I entered it, with nothing. Learn to be content today with what I have. What I have comes from God. Therefore it's good to eat, drink, and enjoy work during my lifespan. To enjoy it my work and accept my lot in life is a gift from God. So spend money wisely. Spend it on getting more people into heaven. Leave an example of generosity in making an investment for eternity.
Today I’m reminded that what I have are gifts from God. I need to learn to be content and enjoy what I have. Use what I have to get more people into heaven. Work on leaving an example and building my character.
I pray this morning Father that I keep in mind what my lot in life is and that I be content, not hoarding but using what I have to help others have a relationship with you. I also pray for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. Help me to live my life so that it is an example for others to follow. These things I pay in your Son Jesus name, Amen.
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