Word of Advice

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Read This Passage: Proverbs 23:4-8
Don’t wear yourself out to get rich; stop giving your attention to it. —Proverbs 23:4

I’m not sure if it’s human nature or strictly a guy thing, but I have a strong competitive streak. I know with most guys, there is a tendency to want to be the best at something.

The key verse of this passage reminds me of some of the games we play at camp. I thoroughly enjoy watching people act completely ridiculous while playing with them. It’s all about winning and losing. I’ve seen campers go 100% and dive after balls, and do anything to score. It’s winner-take-all, and every player wants the bragging rights. I’ve watched so many people try so hard and focus so much energy on being the best in that competition. I’ve seen them lose their composure, their -tempers, and even their control. They’re striving to win that competition, wearing themselves out to be named the winner. And in the long run, it’s an achievement that doesn’t even count for that much.

That’s the point of today’s key verse and devotion: we can spend our lives wearing ourselves out to get more—money, things, attention—and devoting ourselves to activities that, in the end, won’t amount to anything of eternal value. Money is a necessary resource in this world. Fame and attention are accolades we all desire on some level, but they’re not eternal. God wants us to spend our time and energy striving for things of eternal significance, things that matter, like telling the gospel message that you learned at camp and loving God and others. These things last. So take this word of advice: devote your life to things of eternal value. You may not be rich or famous, but you’ll bring glory to God.

Real Choices
Do you focus your energy on faith and ministry or on worldly success? Take a good hard look at the way you spend your time and resources today. What do your actions and behaviors say you value: earthly treasures or things of eternal value?

Digging Deeper
Read James 4:14. What does this verse teach us about our lives here on earth? Reflect on what is important in this short time you have to serve God here.

Pray
Father, help me to use my energy to further Your kingdom in heaven rather than to increase my wealth on earth.

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