Proverbs Challenge | May 30, 2020

Key Verse: “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.” Proverbs 30:8

“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” –  The Apostle Paul

The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) claims that over 70% of lottery winners end up bankrupt a few years after winning big. I can’t speak from personal experience since my most valuable winnings came from Chuck-e-Cheese years ago, but I understand from a distance the power of a great windfall. “Life-changing money” is a term used when such gains occur. And it does do just that. What did the author of Proverbs chapter 30 have in mind when he wrote about riches? Dependance.

From a young age, it is instinctively human to seek out independence. It is by far one of the most considerable marketing angles, used in selling dwellings, vehicles, and even jobs. But dependence is a good thing. Specifically, when a person has to rely on God, they immerse themselves in Him. We celebrate when He answers prayers and cry out when tough times occur. He becomes our Great Supplier. The danger of riches, no matter the form, is that they move us from relying on and enjoying God. There is nothing wrong with wealth, and we know from scripture that God gives us good things! But when life-changing comes from anything but Jesus, we are at great risk.

The embedded prayer in verse 8 is a beautiful reminder of what we should request from God. Integrity and contentment. Our prayer should be that we are people free from falsehood and lies, consistent in motive and deed. And it is right to ask God to provide for our needs. Plenty so that poverty does not overtake us, yet not too much that distracts us from Him. Line up your prayer with this powerful principle.
Dave Mergens, Pastor of Adult Ministry

Today’s Challenge: Make Proverbs 30:8 your prayer.