Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. – Proverbs 22:1 NLT
The book of Proverbs continues to reiterate the importance of character over money. It’s a book full of wisdom and over and over it reiterates how unimportant money is compared to things of eternal value.
Let me be clear, we need money in our society. God blesses us with money so that we can be good stewards over it for His Kingdom. Making money is never and was never meant to be a sole purpose for living.
This Proverb in particular states that a good reputation is more important than money. So it’s not saying that what people think about you is all that matters, but more so that if when people think about you and all they think about is money really isn’t too great a thing. As a Jesus follower, I believe that the most important thing in life is to follow Jesus and rightly represent Him. Jesus was a good steward, but He was kind and considerate, loving and compassionate, and so much more. I can’t think of anywhere in the Bible that Jesus is described as a money chaser.
So ask yourself, when people think of me what comes to mind? If a wise steward of money comes to mind that’s not bad. But if someone who is only driven by money comes to mind, you may need to re-evaluate.
As you self-reflect, begin to ask if your soul’s purpose has become about making money and materialism. If so, what will it profit you to gain the whole world and lose your soul to things of no eternal value?
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