His discovery on January 24, 1848, changed the lives of thousands. James
W. Marshall was prospecting at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California, when
he discovered gold. News of his find pummeled across the country. Over
the next seven years, 300,000 people made their way to California. Half
came by sea, and the other half arrived from the East by land using the
California and Gala River trails. Although a few became wealthy, most
returned home with little more than they started with. Even more
disappointing was finding what appeared to be gold only to have the
assayer declare it pyrite-"fool's gold." It looked like gold but was
worthless.
I've never panned for gold or bought gold
certificates, but I have been tempted to love money and the things it
can buy-many of which are worthless.
Money in and of itself is
neutral. I can use it for good or bad. I can pay my bills or throw it
away by gambling. I can buy food and carry it to a needy neighbor or buy
the latest smart phone. I can save it for a rainy day or spend it as
fast as I make it. I can invest all my extra money, hoping it will
reward me with a nice retirement nest egg, or I can invest some and use
the rest to care for my family and promote God's work across the world.
To his son in the faith, Timothy, Paul wrote, "Teach those who are
rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money,
which is so unreliable." 1 Timothy 6:17. As so many discovered after the
stock market crashed in 1929, what is here one moment can be gone the
next.
I choose to store my treasures in heaven, which is what
Jesus said I should do. There, they are safe from thieves and the
destructive elements of nature. When loving and serving God through
practical means is my focus, my rewards will be secure. Search for
what's worthwhile instead of spending your time on pursuits that will
only disappoint.
Prayer: Father, focus our pursuits on things
that will build us up spiritually and enlarge Your kingdom on this
earth.
Looking for the Worthwhile
Today's Bible Verse:
"Do not inflict me with love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless
things." Psalm 119:36, 37
Looking for the Worthwhile
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Thank you my friends.
God
bless.
In His
love,
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