If I placed my confidence in gold or called fine gold my trust, if I have rejoiced because my wealth is great or because my own hand has acquired so much, Job 31:24-25 HCSB
Wikipedia reports that Richie Rich was an animated television series produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions that aired on ABC from 1980 to 1984 and again in 1988 as part of the weekend/weekday programming block. It was one of my children’s favorite cartoons and featured a young man that was very wealthy and even had a dog appropriately named Dollar.
We live in a culture that promotes and encourages people to have more “things”. It seems that people are obsessed with having more money and possessions. Our society even encourages us to buy on credit and pay later so we can have all we want now. There is a natural desire to have more of the three “P’s” – power, prestige, and possessions, but they often lead to failure and unhappiness.
Job continued to list and refute the many accusations made against him. He affirmed that placing possessions and wealth before God was a sin and a form of idolatry. Job again affirmed that he had done nothing wrong and insinuated that the wealth and blessing he had was a gift from God and not of his own hand and abilities.
Challenge: As believers we must purge ourselves of the desire to have more power, prestige, and possessions. Evaluate your priorities. Is God a higher priority in your life than having more possessions? Place your trust in God instead of your possessions. Be careful to use the resources God has provided to bless others.