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)
