Chasing Wealth: Purpose is Greater than Profit

Written by: Jeremiah Storkson

“Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. Though while he lived, he counted himself blessed—and men praise you when you prosper—he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life. A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.” Psalm 49:16-20 (NIV)

When you evaluate your calling, what does that process look like? Often times, there are cultural pressures that come at all of us regarding what to do. Maybe you are evaluating your future, and you find yourself putting your thought-process into categories. Maybe one category could be considered the “unrealistic” category, while the other one could be called the “fiscally responsible” category. We are absolutely called to be responsible, but I truly believe you can be responsible while also thinking God-sized. Thinking God-sized puts purpose over profit. It puts pursuing what God wants over pursuing a bigger wallet. There is nothing wrong with money at its root. As long as money does not own you, it is a tool. However, if the only filter you use for sorting through decisions is money, you will find that enough is never enough. Money has a way of hurting our faith if we are not careful. The biggest question I want to pose is simple:

What will your eternal wealth be?

Whatever year of school you are in, ask yourself this question. Are you storing up eternal wealth or earthly treasure? There is a difference. You can be rich on earth but spiritually in need. As you evaluate and make decisions about your life, begin thinking God-sized. That eternal wealth is expanded by growing in faith and understanding of who God is, serving others, giving, being in godly, vibrant community! It is grown when you are a part of things that are bigger than yourself. That kind of thinking can only happen when our eyes are first fixed on Jesus. Oftentimes in Christianity, money is “demonized” and almost seen as evil. This perception is a major mistake. Money, like many other things is a tool. The problems come when it becomes your top place of security, comfort, and when it becomes the deciding factor in everything you do. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus shares some wisdom that can help in the way we make our career decisions, or really any decision:

“‘So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own’” (NIV).

This scripture gives what is honestly a seemingly simple, but overwhelmingly important, concept. When we seek God first, we will see Him work. When He says, “all of these things will be given to you” in verse 33, Jesus is not saying that He will make us rich or that we will suddenly live life lavishly. He is saying we will be provided for. We serve a God who knows what He is doing. He blesses those who seek Him before anything else. This passage is about how we need to look at our decisions. Maybe right now, you are looking at applying for a job during college, or you are thinking through your calling. Know that when seeking God’s purpose comes before seeking the profit of this world, you will be provided for. That’s where faith comes in. God will use you and will bless you. He doesn’t promise us worldly wealth, but He does promise us a better wealth when we pursue Him, and that type of wealth will sustain you a lifetime. Begin to pray over your decisions, and ask God what He wants before you decide on things. His wisdom flows out of His plan for you, and as you pray and seek God through the Bible, He will show you the path to take.