“Labour not to be rich:”

Proverbs 23.4

What a ridiculous statement!

Well, isn’t it?  Isn’t that what life is all about?  Work, work, work and get rich?  Besides, why else would we work if it wasn’t to make money, pay the bills, buy what we want and buy what we need?  Right?

No, and sadly, people will sacrifice their health to get their wealth but then they will sacrifice their wealth to get back their health!

As born again Christians we can thank the Lord we have more to live for!  “…seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6.33)  “...how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7.11b)

When we obey the Bible, we are free to “labour” at being a good Christian!  We are free to work at being a good witness for Christ, regardless of what we have or don’t have.  We are free to put our efforts into being a loving husband or wife.  We can “labour” at being a responsible father or mother.  We can work hard at being kind, patient and compassionate toward difficult people around us.  We can use our energy to walk with the Lord, to “walk by faith, not by sight”. (2 Corinthians 5.7)  And these things take WORK and LABOUR!

Yes, God created man to work, “God took man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” (Genesis 2.15)  But as born again believers we are privileged to serve our Lord first and foremost.  Besides, “riches certainly make themselves wings; and fly away...” (Proverbs 23.5)

Try it!  Let’s put God first.  Let’s put our effort and labour into obeying the Bible and then… and then let’s just see what happens...  God says, “prove me now”! (Malachi 3.9-11)  “Prove me…”!!!  And guess what… even that takes effort, hard work, LABOUR!