What's In Your Wallet?

"Why do you want to make it to the NFL?" That was a question I recently posed to three promising athletes. The first responded with an expected answer. He wanted the glory, fame and money that came with it. He wanted to be rich. The second player wanted to fulfill a dream of playing at the highest level and to help his family. The third player took time to think before answering.

A popular credit card commercial asks this question: "What's in your wallet?" For me, usually a couple of pictures of my family and not much more. Many others, however, live their lives to fill their earthly wallets. They want to buy all the things that will give them earthly pleasure and success. But while their wallets and bank accounts are overflowing and full, their spiritual wallets are bankrupt or depleting fast.

Is wanting money and wealth a bad thing? No. But if it is where you put your heart, it is! Jesus instructed us not to build up treasures here on earth, but to store up treasures in heaven. Worldly wealth will pass away, but heavenly hearts are eternal.

The third player finally answered my question after much thought. He wanted to be good enough to make it to the league so that he could make enough money to make a difference in his community for Christ. This was a young man with a heavenly heart who desires to please his Father above. Again, there is nothing wrong with having fame and fortune, but what you do with it will tell where your heart and treasure truly lie. Today, if your wallet is overflowing, whose kingdom are you making a difference in? Your kingdom or God's?