With the hope of winning a record jackpot of $640 million, Americans
spent an estimated $1.5 billion on tickets in a multistate lottery in early
2012. The odds of winning were a staggering 1 in 176 million, but people stood
in lines at grocery stores, gas stations, and cafes to buy a chance to become
rich. Something inside us makes us think more money will solve our problems and
improve our lives.
A man identified in the Bible as Agur had a different perspective on
riches when he asked God to grant him two requests before he died.
First, he said, “Remove falsehood and lies far from me” (Prov. 30:8).
Integrity is a key to living without anxiety. When we have nothing to hide, we
have nothing to fear. Deceit enslaves; honesty liberates. Second, he said,
“Give me neither poverty nor riches—feed me with the food allotted to me”
(v.8). Contentment springs from trusting God as our supplier and gratefully
accepting what He provides. Agur said of the Creator that He “established all
the ends of the earth. . . . He is a shield to those who put their trust in
Him” (vv.4-5).
Integrity and contentment are riches of the soul that are available to
all. Our Lord is pleased to give these treasures to everyone who asks.
Discontentment makes us poor while contentment makes us rich! (RBC)
