Better To Be Poor

Proverbs 28:6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked though he be rich.

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" These two questions that Jesus asked in Mark 8:36-37, should make us stop and seriously consider what it is we are pursuing in life. Are we living to gain more and more of what the world has to offer? Have we bought into the devils' lies that we will be happier if we gain more of the world's riches? Are we pursuing fame and recognition because it promises to bring more material wealth? If so, what are we having to compromise in order to gain it? Who are we supposed to cheat, and lie to? What dishonest script has the world written for us that promises riches, if we follow it? What will we have to do in order to "take care of number 1", namely ourselves? The Word of God makes it very clear that it is better to have less of what the world offers, with integrity, than to be rich and dishonest. This is not to say that every poor person has integrity, or that everyone who is rich is dishonest. God is simply telling us that it is far better to live in accordance to His Word, than to compromise the truth for the sake of gaining the world's riches, which some day will perish. 1 Timothy 6:6 clearly tells us, "Now godliness with contentment is great gain." Why is that? Verse 7 tells us, "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." The Apostle Paul goes on to tell us to be content with having food and clothing. In other words, contentment comes with simply being satisfied with what God chooses to provide for us; as He has promised to meet all our needs. In the end, when we breathe our last breath, the only things that will matter is whether we accepted and knew Jesus; and whether or not we truly lived our life here surrendered to Him. The rich man of Luke 16 lived a rich life here, but suffered for all eternity when death came to visit. Lazarus lived life as a poor beggar, but when death came to visit him, he became eternally wealthy. I would have to say that in the end, Lazarus gained the greatest reward. It is far better to have less and live for Jesus than to have all the world has to offer; but in the end wind up in the place that was created for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 7:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).