He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.
–Proverbs 11:28

Nearly everybody wants to have more money.

Nearly everyone believes having more money would solve their problems — no matter what those problems are. But no matter how much money you have, it never seems to be enough. Those who have a lot of money are just as prone to sadness, disease, death, and problems as those in poverty.

We live in a world where money and wealth are completely misunderstood and misused.

We can’t deny that there is a need for money in our society. It is our method of exchange for goods and services. But our need for money — our actual need for money — is not nearly as great as we think it is.

The truth of the matter is this: Jesus is what we really need.

When we make Jesus, not money, our top priority and king of our lives, we will flourish — just as today’s verse tells us. When we put our faith in Jesus rather than money, everything else falls into place. Not so, if we do it the opposite way — the world’s way. When we put money first, rather than falling into place, things fall apart.

Trust in Jesus — not the riches of this world. Trust in Jesus and flourish.

Prayer

Dear God, Help me to find and keep the proper balance between Jesus, family, work, and money so I can really “flourish as the green leaf.” In Jesus’ dear name I pray, Amen.

Reflection

What changes do I need to make in my life to put Jesus first every single day?