Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself! Riches disappear in the blink of an eye; wealth sprouts wings and flies off into the wild blue yonder. (MSG)
When I read this, I immediately thought of a young man I know who just got out of experiencing this type of thing with his business. He went too big too soon, he put too much money on his credit card and he over estimated the devotion his workers had for his business.
He originally started out small, but soon outgrew the space he was using. He knew he had to make a change and find something bigger. So he jumped into what he wanted and where he wanted and spent a large sum of money doing it. Things were going well until he got behind in the high rent and then he had trouble with one of his workers leaving and taking many of the clients.
Within 5 days, he had gone from what he thought was a successful business to nothing. Absolutely nothing. The landlord now owns it all. Everything had to be left behind closed doors. He had to start over again. Even smaller than before.
Now he is working for someone else and renting a small space within that business. He is putting in fewer hours and able to spend more time with his family. He is happier and less stressed and even though he owes a lot of money, he has learned an important lesson in life - even a strong Christian can get caught up (more money-more success) in this 'worlds' culture.
We are all in the 'world' together and all have desires to be successful in someone's eyes. But God's eyes are the most important eyes. To be 'rich' in God's eyes, we don't have to a lot of money or be high up on the chain of command or outdo each other in things. God asks that we stay focused on him and obey his commands. If we do that, we will be rich and successful.
Nancy
