The Power of Memory – Part 2

  The greatest test most people face is rarely their adversity.  Quite often, it is their success.  Life can be more difficult when you succeed than when you fail.  When we achieve wealth, it becomes something else it was not intended.  Abundance can appear to be god-like.   

        Wealth can become our identity.  Our perception of others is often based on what they own or earn.  We judge people based on what they drive, how they dress and where they live frequently.  It is a natural response.  Our thoughts about people are usually founded on the decorations they have rather than the heart they possess. 
        Wealth can also become our security.  When couples marry, they often struggle financially.  And then a salary increase comes and they begin to feel more secure.  Then a job change brings a raise and an opportunity to buy a house & secure a 30-year mortgage.  Wealth becomes our security. 
        In a sentence, wealth gives the feeling of power & sufficiency.  And it is deceptive.  Wealth can come and wealth can go.  Our recent economic stall has proven that to be true.  The security that many people had in their incomes shriveled as their income did.  Now people are living in fear. 
        Wealth’s false impressions of security and identity are why GOD told us to be careful about success.    When wealth becomes the focus of our lives, we tend to leave GOD in the dust.  We end up being owned by their possessions rather than being free to follow GOD.  And that is a recipe for disaster.    
        Security is more than finances or health or relationships.   Security means having confidence even when life has taken a downward turn, perhaps in one’s health, finances, relationships or career.  When life has gone south, but you can still look w/ assurance into the future, then that is true security.  
        Security means living in the confidence that GOD is sovereign over all things – past, present & future.  Our security about tomorrow rests in the sovereign knowledge of GOD, not in the abundance of our personal affluence. 
        GOD has given us regular reminders that bring our hearts back to the reality that at the core of everything we are is a GOD who loves us and faithfully provides.  The Sabbath is a reminder that our days are from Him.  The tithe is a reminder that our dollars from Him.  The Bible is a reminder that everything is from Him.
Be careful then that you don’t forget.