“I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as [much as] in
all riches.”
(Ps 119:14 AV)
Have
a few questions. What would be more
pleasurable; working voluntary overtime on Sunday or going to church? Would it be more joy to give to a missionary
or buying something one desires but really doesn’t need? Would it be more joy to buy four or five
really nice Bibles to give to new converts or to buy the newest tool for our
shop? Would it be more joyful to sell an
item for its actual worth or try to take someone for as much as you can? Would it be more pleasurable to spend
non-working hours in service to the LORD or a hobby or other leisure activity?
David
felt obedience to the word was more of a personal pleasure than all the riches
the world could give him. To always tell
the truth and not bear false witness was far more fulfilling than a brand-new
car. Honoring one’s wife was for better
than getting a new one. Walking in
integrity allows one to sleep at night whereas personal gain may not.
David
uses the phrase “…in all riches” for a reason.
He never will have all riches. Therefore,
obedience to the Word of God is the greatest joy he could ever have. It may take a life-time to realize this
truth, but it is absolute. The older I
get and the more stuff I accrue, the more I agree with David. My wife and I are down-sizing. We are soon to be true empty nesters and we
came to realize just how much stuff we have which we really do not need (or
even want). We are not rich by any
means. Compared to most, we are on the
low end of middle class. Almost
everything we have was giving to us. Most,
second hand. But we have filled up the
dumpster three times over throwing away what we no longer want or need. What we cannot throw away are all the
mistakes we have made because of disobedience.
Even though God has forgiven them all, they still happened. And there have been consequences. Life teaches you what is precious and what
will eventually become landfill. Too bad
we cannot learn this sooner than later.
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