Rash ambition – 29 May 2006

It all started over 30 years ago when Bill was a teenager – two guys writing software and wanting to make money, work for themselves and do something they enjoyed. They were young and ambitious, everything was possible.

 

Now in 2006, things have grown remarkably and nobody can deny the success of Microsoft. Yet a few weeks ago Bill Gates was quoted as saying he wished he were not the world's richest man. "I wish I wasn't. There is nothing good that comes out of that".

 

Do riches and happiness go hand in hand?

 

King Solomon was rich and famous in his day:

 King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.  The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.  Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift—articles of silver and gold, robes, weapons and spices, and horses and mules. 1 Kings 10:23-25 [NIV]

 

His riches and his wisdom brought him fame – but as his life progressed, he lost his devotion to God and his many wives turned his heart towards other gods.

 

The more we have in life, the less we see a real need for God – we are living in the security of our possessions, resources and capabilities, not living by faith. The less people have the more they need to live by faith and in many cases the happier they are too, I believe. This was certainly my impression when I visited Mozambique last year.

 

Jesus recognised this when he spoke to the rich young ruler:

When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.  Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Luke 18:22-25 [NIV]

 

Lord, we know that all things are possible for you. Help us to trade in our earthly ambitions to build up treasure in Heaven. Amen.