I read a news article that caught my attention (click to read) about a man who was going to propose to his girlfriend and really wanted to "pop" the question, so he placed a $12,000 ring in a helium balloon so she could pop the balloon as he asked her the question. Unfortunately the wind took the balloon away and he has lost the balloon, the ring and quite possibly the girl.  In my opinion he was foolish to spend that much on a ring in the first place, but it is good he found out the priorities of his girlfriend. What really got my attention though is how accurate an object lesson the story provides.

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 23:5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.  Isn't it the truth?

Many people spend their whole lives concentrated on making money. I'm not talking about earning money to make a living for one's family or for necessities - that is only right, but many times people will get their priorities all messed up and it goes much farther than just making a living for their families. Too many in fact sacrifice their families to their jobs. They will become so focused on earning that next promotion, that bonus, that dream job, they neglect their families and even worse they neglect their spiritual lives.

How many people miss church, not because they absolutely had to work, but they wanted to work that overtime for that extra dollar? When you put money, a job or anything before the Lord it is wrong. There are some jobs that have to be worked no matter what. We want the police, firemen, medical personel at hospitals to stay on their jobs! Power company workers must keep the lights on. But even these people need to take time regularly to spend with God.

There are many people who look at the wealthy and envy their wealth. They think how much better their life would be with all that money. They just don't realize money isn't the answer, but Jesus knew. He said, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:19-21  You see Jesus knew, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24.  The Lord Jesus warned in Mark 8:36, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

The answer is nothing. Money can buy things, but it can't buy love, happiness, health and it sure can't buy salvation and eternal life. 1 Peter 1:18-19 tells us, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" In Matthew 6 Jesus talked about the things people need such as clothes and food, but He went on to say in verses 31-33, "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:  ) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Jesus isn't saying not to work and provide for your family, but He is saying it is even more important that you put GOD FIRST! Our lives here are very temporary. You never know what day it will end. Then you will be faced with eternity - either in Heaven or Hell. Make  your preparations today before it is too late. Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross, was buried, and arose the 3rd day to provide what we need most - salvation. We can't earn salvation, we must receive it as a free gift by faith in Jesus Christ. Won't you trust Him today? He will provide all you need - Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

If you want to read more about riches that will last click here ( How to Get Rich - and keep it)