Although we live in this world, the Bible tells us in Romans 12:2 that we should not conform to the ways of the world. We are held to different standards, higher standards as Christians.
Are we useless?
If our actions are not aligned with what God wants, we are considered unfit and useless to Him (Titus 1:16). Can you imagine being told that you are useless? We are all made for a purpose. Each of our purposes is unique. That means that no one else can do what you are meant to do. Therefore, if you don't do it, God's plan will not happen as He has designed.
We might see others in the world who are not Christians but have been extremely successful (financially or otherwise) during their lives. It is easy to question why they have been fortunate enough to enjoy things that we may never get the chance to experience.
Avoid comparing
However, as we prepare for retirement and other important financial milestones in life, we should avoid comparing ourselves to others. First, we don't know what that person went through to get to that point in life. That success could be the result of years and years of struggle.
Second, we don't know the reality. The success could be a façade. Someone could easily be creating a false image of success to make you think that everything is going well for them. Proverbs 13:7 referred to this: "One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth." (NIV)
I'll give you an example. Several years ago, I owned a Lincoln Navigator. That was my dream vehicle, and I loved having it. But some of my family members and "friends" also loved the fact that I had it.
I let people borrow my Navigator many times. In fact, I lent it out much more than I should have. But people driving by couldn't tell who owned the truck. They saw someone driving it, but they never saw the pink slip.
We could say the same thing about real estate. We may see other people living in an upscale home. But we don't know if a foreclosure is on the horizon.
We don't know the whole story. So, comparing yourself to someone else is futile.
Eternity is most important
But what is more important - temporal, worldly wealth or everlasting, eternal wealth? In the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:13-21), Jesus warns us that we should watch out for all kinds of greed. We should be more concerned with getting rich toward God than with storing up things for ourselves.
1 Timothy 6:17 says, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." (NIV)
Remember that while you may never be money-rich in your lifetime, God will always may sure that you have everything that you need. Jesus promised us this in Luke 12:22-34. He told us that God has provided for the birds. Since we are more valuable than the birds, we should not worry. "For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well." (Luke 12:30-31 NIV)
Author Resource:
Ozeme J. Bonnette is a financial coach, speaker, and author. She began her career at Merrill Lynch, and now works to increase financial literacy. She teaches and speaks to groups and organizations throughout the U.S. She earned 3 Bachelor's degrees at Fresno State and an MBA at UCLA's Anderson School. She blogs at http://www.povertynorriches.com . Send questions and comments to ozeme@thechristianmoneycoach.com .
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