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.
