Monday, August 24, 2026

         We have all likely heard the expression “time flies.”  And it does.  Children grow up quickly.  Christmas seemingly comes around more quickly every year.  We age faster than we ever expected we would.  James wrote, “What is your life?  You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14b-c).  Since life itself is brief, it pays to build our lives on the things that last—on foundations that are sure, trustworthy and faithful. We want to build our lives on foundations we can count on to sustain us through all the many circumstances of life—good or bad.  At the end of his powerful Sermon on the Mount, the Lord Jesus reminded us to build our lives upon Him and His words (Matthew 7:24-25).
         Proverbs, the great wisdom book of the Bible, reminds us not to trust material things or riches.  We are taught, more than once, in Proverbs to build on sturdy and lasting foundations.  For example, the Bible says, “Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle” (Proverbs 23:5).   A few important lessons stand out for us to see and learn about material wealth and the things that we tend to accumulate.  First, we usually look for someone or something to trust.  People often look for safe places to save or invest their money.  The Bible assumes that we will look beyond ourselves to discover what we can trust with the things we cherish.  Our faith, or our relationship with the Lord, is our most precious possession.  We are not to let any rival or threaten that relationship.  So, when we look for what we can trust, we first look to the Lord.  Let God be true and every man a liar the Bible reminds us.  We can begin each day trusting God to see us through that day come what may.
         Second, we are to recognize that material possessions and things are worth only a glance.  Why?  Because such things are brief and do not last beyond this lifetime.  Most material things wear out or break down before this lifetime ends or expires. Imagine how many appliances that you have replaced or home repairs you have made.  Riches are worth only a glance the Bible says.  The Bible is teaching us to hold on lightly to the things we can see and touch.  Yet another example of living by faith and not by sight.  Do not measure your fulfillment or joy by what you have or what you can acquire.  These same things can easily be lost or taken from us and never recovered.
         Third, “riches,” Proverbs says, sprout wings and fly away.  You may feel like that’s true about your bank account.  It disappears much more quickly than it loads or fills up.  Riches can be lost or squandered.  Riches can be stolen or taken away.  Riches can break down, wear out and wither away.  Indeed, the Bible warns us that only God’s Word lasts forever.  Isaiah wrote, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8).  God, His Word, our faith and our walk with Him are the precious blessings and possessions that matter in this life.  We should prioritize these things and lessen the times that we glance at riches and the things of this world that seem appealing to the eye, mind or heart.
         Take time today to prioritize the things that matter most.  Be filled with God and His Word.  Spend time in prayer and worship.  Do not chase the things that bring attention to yourself.  Rather, remember the good admonition of Proverbs 22:1 which says to us, “a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed in better than silver or gold.”  Have a great Monday!  And build your life today on the things that will anchor you when storms come and trials seem to be overwhelming!