Catalysts in life

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 1 Timothy 6:7

Pain, prosperity and power have far more in common than is evident at first glance. Pain, for example, has been with us from the day that Cain struck his brother and killed him. Why some suffer and why some are exempted generally has nothing to do with either your sinfulness or your righteousness, though – let’s face it – bad choices, including acts of our sinful rebellion against God and what He wills for us, do produce suffering and pain.

Poverty and prosperity generally are neither a reward nor a curse. Both, however, change people. The absence or presence of wealth reduces us to stark nakedness, showing the kind of people we really are. Poverty or prosperity also puts within our grasp the potential for great good. Both are catalysts that change us for better or for worse. The psalmist warns us, “Though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them” (Psalm 62:10).

Power that comes through prosperity or prominence is another catalyst. Some rise through the ranks unaffected by their importance. Others, inflated with their own accomplishments, are looking for a vacancy in the Trinity.

So how can you avoid being affected by all of these? It’s what’s within you that matters. Realizing that you are but dust and will someday leave behind what you have accumulated is sobering but necessary. Paul’s reminder to Timothy reflects this: “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7). No wonder Paul instructed us to lay up our treasure where no identity theft can rob you, and where it will never depreciate, and where you get exactly what you deserve.