Wealth Envy

By Cheri Cowell –

“Daddy, are we rich?” the young daughter of a wealthy businessman asked.

“Well, we’re rich in health, a great family, and good friends.”

The girl shook her head. “No Daddy. I mean, do I have a lot of money?”

Without hesitation the wise father answered, “Until you are eighteen you do, but then you will be poor like I was and you’ll work your way up.”

Some of us are falling prey to wealth envy that teaches if someone has more than their fair share there is less for me. The Bible teaches another way of looking at wealth. Not only does God provide the wealth, he gives us the ability to use it wisely and to enjoy its blessings. Whether you have a storehouse of money or your riches are counted in other ways, God is the source of that wealth. So, thank him for the wealth you have, and then go a step further and praise God for what others have.

“As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:19 NKJV).

Prayer: God, help me to avoid wealth envy, and instead enjoy the wealth I have because all good things come from You.