“To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” – Ecclesiastes 2:26

Prior to his death from cancer at age 40 in March 1991, Republican campaign manager Lee Atwater was one of the most admired and hated men in American politics. His greatest accomplishment was guiding Vice President George Bush to a comeback victory over Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis in 1988. Bush’s comeback was partially the result of Atwater’s skillful use of “attack” television commercials directed at Dukakis’ record as governor of Massachusetts.

But soon after his cancer was detected in the summer of 1990, Lee became a Christian. He said: “I’ve found Jesus Christ – It’s that simple. He’s made a difference, and I’m glad I’ve found Him while there’s still time.” Atwater spent much of his remaining life publicly apologizing for his attacks.

Reflecting on the past, Atwater said: “The eighties were about acquiring: wealth, power, and prestige. I know. I acquired more wealth and power and prestige than most. But you can acquire all you want and still feel empty.” He continued: “It took a deadly illness to put me eye to eye with that truth, but it is a truth that the country, caught up in its ruthless ambitions and moral decay, can learn on my dime.”

Wealth and power disappear quickly. But our relationship with the Lord lasts throughout eternity. Today in prayer, give any selfish ambition over to the Lord and seek to know Christ more intimately.

“No one should ever be too busy or pressured or tired to make a time and place for God in their lives. After all, he has to manage the whole world, and he’s never too busy for us.” – Sadie and Bessie Delany

God’s Word: “A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” – Proverbs 13:22

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2003, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN ECCLESIATES AND SONG OF SOLOMON pkennedy@devotional.com