While waiting for the doctor I read an article that told how Phillip Rivers, sometimes winning quarterback for the Chargers makes $15.3 million per year. Fifth highest paid player in the NFL. And at first I will admit I was a bit jealous. The $105 doctor visit bill staring me in the face seemed insurmountable when compared to my income, and thought how nice it would be to have insurance. But after my brief pity party-amazing how you don't always have to go to the party, it will come to you, I thought of all the things he would be missing because of his high income. And suddenly I felt like the richer man, I only wish I could spend the richness I felt at the grocery store!
I remember a rich businessman telling me once how you either had the time or the money-but rarely both. He explained how we would work 50 weeks a year, just to take a two week vacation, which most times would be spent with relatives. Which could make the drudgery of the job seem like a real vacation after a couple of days. How so many make the money, but never have time to spend it. Or have the time, but no resources to enjoy it. And like it says in Ecclesiastes, "the rich man never has enough money and stays up nights worrying about it." How many have that promise of God in their prayer box?
Rich has been described as anyone who makes more than me. And to many I used to be rich. I had a six figure income, a prestigious title, but little time to enjoy it. Ten to five comes early in the morning, and having dinner after six every night leaves little time to yourself when you are in bed by nine! I spent more time at work than I did with my family. And I even realized the extra 3 hours I got on Saturday and Sunday equated an extra nights sleep. But no rest. And yes the money was great, I felt cool cashing my paycheck, but something was missing. An intangible, that appeared more tangible than not.
I used to admire guys who always had money on them when a deal came along. and I now did, and after taking advantage of many deals, had more than I could have desired. But as you acquire more, the dreams get more expensive, and I soon learned value-for it is not what you make, but how you spend it. And I learned that trusting God had more value than the $125,000 credit line I had to go shopping with. Soon my desire for things waned, just before they started owning me. For the things I couldn't buy-time and peace, were so valuable they were free. And given as gifts. Only found in a relationship with God. And how God's economy is far different-read better, than anything the world has to offer.
When a church I used to attend brought in a "Perspectives" series, at about $250 a pop, and discontinued Bible studies, I questioned it. After being told how great it was, I asked if it was better than the gospel. "No," they admitted, "but you get college credits or a certificate at the end." When I reminded them the gospel was free, the conversation ended. Sadly some chose a different perspective than the gospel, and missed the true value of it. When something is so valuable no one could afford it, then it has to be free. And since the gospel is free, its value in inestimable in God's economy, and the only way to see its true value is to make it free-which is how it will make those who accept it.
Which brings us to God. And Phillip, and others like him. And us. You see, tribulation can have its own rewards. If I was never sick, I would never have known Jesus as the great physician. If I had all the wealth, you can take me and ten friends and we will never see $15 million in our lifetimes, then I wouldn't know Jesus as Jehovah Jireh, my provider. If I didn't have to trust God for all my needs, I wouldn't know Him as Lord. But most important, if I hadn't realized my sin, I would never have know Jesus as my savior. In the battle of things seen vs. not seen, we are told the things not seen are eternal. Those are truly the valuables in life, and after.
Now I don't begrudge Phillip the income-he'd be nuts to turn it down. As would we. But sadly he will never see the sides of Jesus that the poor, needy, and trusting in God see every day. For these type of riches come with a curse. A high price tag. And an adjustment of values. Or even loss of values. So pray for him, and those like him. They too need Jesus, for although money can buy a lot of things, it won't get you to heaven. Only Jesus will. Like the doxology says, "praise God from whom all blessings flow..." And I like how Pete Maravich said it, who had both money and fame-but no glory until he met Jesus. "Money will buy a fine dog, but only love will make it wag its tail."
For truly it is easier for a rich man to get through the eye of a needle than to get to heaven. And joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God. And a high salary is no guarantee of a Super Bowl ring. Take the time today to get right with God. May be the best investment you make this year. Like always, His grace is sufficient for you.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com