Listen

But how terrible for you who are rich, because you have already received your comfort.

How terrible for you who have plenty now, because you will be hungry.

How terrible for you who laugh now, because you will mourn and weep.

How terrible for you when all speak well of you. Their ancestors did the same things to the false prophets.

Luke 6:24-26

Think

Have you ever heard the saying, “Money can’t buy happiness”? Money can buy a lot of comfort in this world, but at the primary level, money can’t secure true happiness. If we spend our lives pursuing material wealth, we miss out on opportunities to experience God’s upside-down happiness.

Jesus describes a reality for his disciples. He wants them to understand that following him requires a new understanding of what it means to be happy. For Jesus’ followers, material wealth is not a measure of happiness. An abundance of wealth can drive us further and further away from Jesus.

If everyone likes you and says only good things about you, it means you are going with the flow and not living like a follower of Jesus. Going with the flow usually means looking out for yourself and not speaking up or showing up for anyone else. Jesus expects better from his followers; that includes us.

James Blay

Pray

When I lose my way in pursuit of material wealth and lavish praise, may God encourage me to return to the right path of true happiness. Amen.

Go

Spread the word; a different standard of happiness is available for everyone.