Strive to Make It In Rather Than to Make It Big

Subject: Strive to Make It In Rather Than to Make It Big

Scripture Reading: Colossians 3

Memory Verse: Matthew 6: 33

Objective: To identify the right direction as we traverse this Christian pathway.

1.     How are we admonished in the following scriptures? Matthew 6: 19 - 21, 1 Peter 1: 17, Hebrews 11: 13

2.     Our Heavenly Father does not have a problem with us being wealthy or improving ourselves. What then was Jesus’ bone of contention with the rich man in this parable? Luke 12: 16 - 21 (note verse 21)

Note: It would be totally against God’s words to indicate to or teach someone that it is a sin to be wealthy. God’s blessings are greater than any personal achievements we may desire. As we pursue our dreams and goals, we should humble ourselves while allowing God to direct us as to how to use the gift(s) He has given us.

3.     Where should our focus be? Colossians 3: 1 - 2, Jude 3, Luke 13: 24, Matthew 6: 33

4.     What does the scriptures say about those who are pursuing riches? Proverbs 23: 4 - 5, Proverbs 28: 22, 1 Timothy 6: 9 - 10

5.     Those who are already rich receive what wise counsel? 1 Timothy 6: 17 - 19; How did Jesus seek to keep His disciples in check? Matthew 19: 23 - 24; And having read the following scriptures, can we safely concur with Jesus’ analysis? Matthew 19: 16 - 22

6.     How are we further empowered from the good book? Luke 12: 13 - 15, 1 Timothy 6: 5 - 8, Psalm 62: 10

7.     While we are called to work, what should be borne in mind as believers? Psalm 75: 6 - 7, 1 Samuel 2: 7 - 8, Mark 8: 36 - 37

8.     Solomon, a man known for his wisdom and wealth, came to what conclusion about seeking worldly pleasures and labouring excessively? Ecclesiastes 2: 1 - 11

Note: Sometimes we are trying so hard to make our mark here that we miss the ‘mark’. While striving with all our might to climb the corporate ladder, we risk falling off the spiritual radar. We cannot put greater emphasis on material things, for they are temporary and fleeting. Let us instead endeavour to seek the things above that are eternal. Life itself teaches us this fundamental truth: we arrive with nothing, we spend our whole lives chasing everything, and still, we leave with nothing. Therefore, we are encouraged to make sure our souls gain more than our hands.