I’ve been thinking about getting rich lately. Not so much about “how to get rich.” More about the idea of being rich and how simply meaningless it is unless something is done with the wealth that is built up on this side of heaven.
I drove by the Carolina Theater this week. This is an historic theater in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. It’s been sitting in disrepair for over 40 years. But in it’s heyday it was one of the most glamorous and sought after venues in the southeast. But there it sits, forty years later, simply a shell of what it once was. It was known for it’s intricate details, majestic architecture and famous artwork. But like all beautiful buildings, it had a shelf life. Time got the best of it and now it just sits there with only hints that speak of its former glory.
I feel like this theater is a visual representation of our pursuit of wealth. There’s nothing wrong with working hard and building a sound financial foundation for our families and our future. But when that becomes our end goal – to be rich – we have completely missed the point. Wealth gives the wealthy an opportunity to help those in need. But many times that point is lost once wealth is achieved.
Proverbs 23:4-5 – Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.
What’s your end goal in life? Are you chasing after wealth? I’m reminded that the only thing that will last forever is investment that we make into people. It reminds me to sit face to face with my kids and teach them the truly important lessons of life. It places high value on time I take to sit with people and share my journey of faith and how Jesus changed my life. That leads to life everlasting. Life that will never fade or dim. Life that will never become broken down like the Carolina Theater.
Here is a concise thought on getting rich: wealth doesn’t last forever. So that leads to an incredibly important follow-up question:
Who or what are you investing into today?
