16 Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; 17 for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. 18 The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever. 19 In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty. 20 but the wicked will perish: the LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish--vanish like smoke. 21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; 22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off. 23 If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; 24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

When wealth, material possessions, power and control become the dominating factor in ones’ life, it is no wonder that person will do things that are illegal or unethical to get more. Jesus said we cannot serve two masters; we will hate one and love the other or we will hold on to one and despise the other. He then concludes that we cannot serve God and mammon. While this word “mammon” is often translated “money”, it implies much more. It is actually anything that is trusted as being firm, steadfast or dependable. John warns us to not love the world and the things in the world because all these things are passing away. I once read of a Mafia boss who had died. As his body rested in the coffin and was being viewed by his friends, it was decked with all kinds of fine clothes and jewelry. One man was overheard as he stood looking: “man, that is living.” The truth is that is not living, it is dead!

In contrast to these things that perish, there is one thing that we are told will never end – even in heaven. That one thing is love. Faith will become sight. Hope will be realized. Love will be forever. But this should not surprise us since we know that God is love. It is no wonder then that Jesus said the two greatest commands given to mankind is to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves. It is only when we learn to empty ourselves of ourselves and love outside of ourselves that we will know true joy. With that kind of love we will not be discouraged or depressed because we will be too busy sharing and encouraging those around us to think of ourselves.

O God, fill me with your Spirit so that I can have a heart full of love. I want to love you more and show that love better. I want to love those around me more and show your love to them. I pray that your love will be perfected in my life so that I have no fear but joy and peace in you. Show me how to use your love to bring others to you, to lift up those who have fallen and strengthen those who are weak and struggling. I pray in Jesus’ name.

May God bless each of us as we learn to love more like God.