How can we prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth in our lives today? Shields of Gold, Hearts of Flesh “ He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold, three minas of gold went into each shield; and the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.” (1 Kings 10:17) The Glitter That Fades • Solomon’s golden shields dazzled visitors, yet they were later plundered (1 Kings 14:25–26). • Earth-bound wealth can vanish through theft, decay, or shifting economies—nothing on earth is truly secure (Proverbs 23:4-5). • Scripture paints the contrast: “What is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18) Why Spiritual Wealth Outshines Gold • Eternal security: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21) • God-given contentment: “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7) • Divine perspective: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:1-2) • Uncorrupted riches: “Buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich.” (Revelation 3:17-18) Practical Steps to Invest in Eternity 1. Redirect the budget – Prioritize giving (Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:7). – Consciously limit luxury spending so resources can fuel kingdom work. 2. Schedule soul-time first – Begin each day in Scripture and prayer before work or news feeds (Psalm 63:1). – Guard a weekly Sabbath rhythm to refresh spiritual focus. 3. Elevate relationships over assets – Use the dining table more than the shopping cart; hospitality forms eternal bonds (Hebrews 13:2). 4. Serve with your skills – Volunteer abilities—teaching, carpentry, tech, music—where they advance the gospel (1 Peter 4:10). 5. Celebrate unseen wins – Keep a gratitude journal for answered prayers, changed hearts, gospel conversations—spiritual statements of account. Daily Habits That Build Spiritual Equity • Memorize one verse each week; Scripture stored in the heart is interest-bearing truth (Psalm 119:11). • Fast periodically; letting go of food trains the soul to let go of lesser comforts. • Practice silence and solitude; it detoxes the craving for applause and accumulation. • Speak blessing, not bragging; words either invest in others or inflate self (Ephesians 4:29). Evaluating the Heart’s Portfolio • If possessions disappeared tomorrow, the joy of salvation (Psalm 51:12) would remain unchanged. • Hoarded wealth corrodes the spirit: “Your gold and silver are corroded…You have hoarded treasure in the last days.” (James 5:1-3) • Spiritual riches are already ours in Christ: “He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 1:3) Encouragement for Today Gold shields once lined Solomon’s hall, but the presence of God now resides within believers (1 Corinthians 6:19). Seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33), and earthly needs will find their proper place, subordinate to a wealth that cannot be stolen, tarnished, or lost. |
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