The Problem of Treasure

(Proverbs 21:6 KJV)  The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

What are my priorities?  I do many of the right things and try to avoid the wrong things.  That is good enough but am I ever ready to take shortcuts in order to get the gold ring?  Am I willing to compromise my standards because I feel total honesty will put me in the loser’s corner?  I am afraid the answer is yes. 

Remember that the problem is not wealth, or “treasures” (214).  The Problem is how you get your treasure and how you use it.  It is amazing how many large and successful businesses were started by Christians.  Years later they are totally detached but at the beginning they offered a good product at a fair price and viewed their work as stewardship.  God blessed them.  Does he still bless the children and grandchildren who now own the company and have turned away from the Lord?  I doubt it.

So?  God demands to be first in our lives.  We can follow many different paths, careers and dreams but if we forget to put Him first it will eventually become a “pursuit of death”.