THE RICHES OF OBEDIENCE
Publicly
operated lotteries exist in more than 100 countries. In a recent year, lottery
ticket sales totaled more than $85 billion in just the US and Canada, only part
of the total sales worldwide. The lure of huge jackpots has created a mindset
among many that all of life’s problems would be solved “if I won the lottery.”
There’s
nothing wrong with wealth itself, but it has the power to deceive us into
thinking that money is the answer to all our needs. The psalmist, expressing a
different point of view, wrote: “I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in
riches. . . . I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word” (Ps.
119:14,16 nlt). This concept of spiritual treasure is focused on obedience to
God and walking “in the path of [His] commandments” (v.35).
What
if we were more excited about following the Lord’s Word than about winning a
jackpot worth millions? With the psalmist we might pray, “Incline my heart to
Your testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from looking at
worthless things, and revive me in Your way” (vv.36-37).
The
riches of obedience—true riches—belong to all who walk with the Lord.
Success
is knowing and loving God. (ODB)
