"It's" Simply Wrong!

Unfortunately, most of us do “it” without thinking about “it.” “It” has become part of our nature and we do “it” constantly - much to the displeasure of God. The “It”? Rewarding the undeserving.

Our hearts go out to them: the “unfortunates” - because we think of them as being “unfortunate.” Or incapable. Or unable. Or not having had opportunities. Or not having a teacher or mentor or who or whatever it took to “get” what they “are or got.” But if they were or are capable of “getting” what they “got” according to Solomon, the “it” is not fitting. Rarely do we think of them as being what we must come to accept: the “unwilling.” This is a category that we have allowed to become eroded in our thinking and behavior.

“It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,” wrote Solomon. Perhaps we need to look at “it is not fitting” more closely. It is more accurately translated “inappropriate.” This is the point he wants us to understand, accept and apply. Unearned gifts to others, no matter how deserving we may think the recipient is, do not reflect God’s wisdom. Those gifts, the “its” of life, are not a result of a person living according to the teachings of God’s Word or the application of His wisdom. Our skills and talents are gifts from God - and what we do with them is our gift to God. Developing our skills and talents to enjoy the “luxuries” of life is important and most of all, God-honoring.

Receiving an inheritance or winning the lottery or receiving any gift that is unearned often reveals a person’s “flawed character.” Unearned “gifts” are often squandered in the pursuit of selfish and self-centered “luxuries” that are unneeded, unnecessary and ungodly.

There is nothing essentially wrong with having “luxuries.” But there is something wrong with not earning them by honoring God’s ways and wisdom. The wealth that comes from hard work honors God because we learn the value of earning the “luxuries” that He gives us as rewards.

Prayer: “Work” began in Creation. It is something You did willingly and nobly and set the example for us to follow. May we honor You and then enjoy the fruits of our labor. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 19:10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury - how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!