An old adage says, “The best things in life are free.” There’s a lot of
truth in that. Some people, however, believe that the best things in life are
expensive or perhaps elusive. Recently I saw a sign that made me smile and
think. It said, “The best things in life are not things.” What a great way to
say it! The value of family, friends, and faith points us to the realization
that what matters most in life is all wrapped up in people and the Lord.
Solomon was well qualified to speak about material things because he
“surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom” (1 Kings 10:23). His advice? “Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own
understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches
certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven” (Prov. 23:4-5). His recommended course of action was, “Apply your heart to
instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge. . . . For surely there is a
hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off” (vv.12,18).
The best things in life are the eternal riches that come from God’s
goodness and grace in Jesus Christ. We do not hold them in our hands, but in
our hearts.
Our greatest riches are the riches we have in God. (RBC)
