James 5:11 – Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
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There is a couple phrases related to money and popularity that I would like to discuss:
“Money will always buy happiness” – I have went over and over this, and have often wondered how life would be with the abundance of wealth beyond my imagination. In my conclusions, I have found that money will only purchase a lease on temporary emotions; it will invoke a certain feeling that is enjoyed for a short time but quickly subsides. Placing my life and priorities on the amount of money that I can obtain will only let me down. You can read of so many individuals that made it their purpose and pursuit and still were unhappy! In the long run it does not prove to be satisfactory. The word of God talks about the love of money being in reference to “the root of all evil”. That sounds so negative, but that is exactly what it is when it comes to pulling us away from God.
“Popularity will bring joy to you” – When you see actors, artists, and musicians that go through the rags to riches story, there is always one outcome in the end: the fame finally fades away. Eventually, people are left to what they have aside from the fame and fortune. And for some, this may not be very much. Some people will use anyone and anything to make it to the top, right? By the time you make it there you have lost everyone that you started with to share your hopes and dreams with. This is a very common trend when you see those who are called famous and have ended their lives from having serious depression. The trail they left behind spoke volumes of having such an empty void. As they say, it can truly make or break people in an instant, and is powerful when considering God in the grand scheme of things. When God is not glorified in our lives, and we lay claim to all the good in our life without a “testimony”, it has never failed that in some way there is something through circumstances that lets me know that God gives and takes away. If my whole life’s happiness is basing it on your satisfaction, I could never succeed. The direction is then progressing backwards. We are to always glorify God and to let him be magnified through us by being obedient and doing his will!
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Put Into Practice:
I just want to remind everyone to hold fast to the true things of God. He is the I Am in your life, and if you allow Him to work in you through complete surrender, you will see things begin to marvel before you! My request is that you remember to let God shine through and have the honor where honor is due. If a good thing happened in your life, give God the glory no matter the venue. If God has blessed you financially, give God His portion and be a good steward and not get caught up in the riches of life. Make a difference in how you live and what you do!