Our constant striving to “keep up with the Joneses” motivates our pursuit of these status symbols. But at the finish line, instead of gratification, we're left feeling hollow and discontented. Why? Because true satisfaction is found only through fellowship with the Living God.

Sadly, those stuck on this hamster wheel have not yet realized that this is the answer to their exhausting dilemma. If only their eyes could be opened to the truth, they'd understand that the only wealth that is freely offered and incorruptible was purchased at the cross with the redeeming blood of the Lamb.

This gift requires very little of us—that we admit we are sinners in desperate need of a Savior and that we accept the Lord Jesus into our hearts. In doing this, we receive an intimate relationship with God, peace, joy and the assurance of eternal life. These blessings—although intangible—are more precious than gold. By comparison, earthly currencies seem irrelevant.

So what's the purpose of our income then?

In God's economy, we use our income to build His kingdom and share it with the less fortunate.

But even charity involves a Biblical caveat. Scripture warns of the futility and utter ineffectiveness of ministries and offerings that lack the essential element of love. 1 Corinthians 13 paints a vivid word picture, one which should impress itself upon the soul of every believer. In this passage, Paul pens these words:

“If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but don't have love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.” (The Message)

We can spend our money and ourselves in the pursuit of philanthropic efforts, so seemingly full of impact that they awe and inspire. But if a genuine, God-inspired love is not behind these decisions, then our efforts are worthless.

These lyrics from “The Proof of Your Love” is a great litmus test of our true intentions: “If I give to a needy soul but don't have love, then who is poor? It seems all the poverty is found in me!”

Despite being born into poverty, Jesus was wealth personified because his love was limitless. We have full access to that abundance—for our needs, and for the needs of those around us. 

And when we share His love, that is when we are rich indeed.

Do you need to ask God for an infilling of supernatural love? Do you desire your life song to be a heavenly sound, rather than a clanging symbol?  He is faithful to equip His children with a glorious love that will draw unbelievers into His marvelous light.

Heather Brostrom has been a Christian since she was a teenager. She has suffered with depression for all of her adult life and wonders if some day she will have a unique opportunity to share her story of hope and perseverance. She heartily believes that Jesus has been good to her, showing her that life can still be blessed even through adversity and trials. Read more posts by Heather.