How can we prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth in our lives today? Facing Solomon’s Golden Shields “King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of hammered gold went into each shield.” (2 Chronicles 9:15) Solomon’s shields capture the eye—polished plates of pure gold, each weighing roughly fifteen pounds. They were real, gleaming testaments to a king’s prosperity. Yet Scripture records them not to make us envy Solomon but to stir us to think: if a man so blessed could still wander from wholehearted devotion (1 Kings 11:4), then gold alone is a poor anchor for the soul. The Limits of Glitter • Gold can be stolen (2 Chronicles 12:9). • Moth and rust destroy earthly treasure (Matthew 6:19-20). • Riches sprout wings and fly away (Proverbs 23:4-5). • Wealth offers no shelter on the day of wrath (Proverbs 11:4). • Possessions cannot satisfy the heart’s deepest hunger (Luke 12:15). Treasures Heaven Values • A heart believing unto righteousness (Romans 10:10). • Good deeds that follow faith (1 Timothy 6:18). • Wisdom that fears the LORD (Proverbs 9:10). • Character refined by testing—“gold refined by fire” (Revelation 3:18). • Eternal rewards kept “where moth and rust do not destroy” (Matthew 6:20). Practical Steps to Choose Lasting Riches • Guard your gaze – Begin each day with Scripture before screens (Psalm 119:97). – Memorize verses that reset priorities (Colossians 3:1-2). • Cultivate contentment – Thank God aloud for present provisions (Hebrews 13:5). – Replace envy with intercession for those who prosper. • Give intentionally – Tithe first, not last (Malachi 3:10). – Set a generosity budget that stretches faith (2 Corinthians 9:7-8). • Invest time in people – Share meals, stories, and burdens (Galatians 6:2). – Mentor younger believers; discipleship outlives dollars (2 Timothy 2:2). • Keep eternal accounting – Regularly ask, “Will this matter in a hundred years?” – Journal answers to prayer; they become a portfolio of God’s faithfulness. Promises That Anchor Our Priorities • “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) • “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6) • “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) • “In this way they will lay up treasure… and take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:19) Living Rich Toward God Solomon’s shields glimmered, then vanished into history. The wealth Christ offers—His righteousness, His companionship, His coming kingdom—outshines every earthly asset. By valuing what He values and stewarding what He lends, we exchange fading gold for imperishable glory. |
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