Two conversations are buzzing around my head today, on radio 4 this morning I heard a discussion on the growing Pentacostal church in Africa, and one of the reasons put forward for its success by the person speaking was that it gave hope, because it promised success and wealth in this world by harnessing the power of God and using it in our lives. Forgive me if I misheard but that seemed to be the message.

 

The other was a conversation with friends last night whose elderly relatives are suffering from Dementia, one of them expressed surprise that this lady who had been so fastidious with her finances all her life now had no idea how much things cost and cared even less.

 

Jesus is very clear about the priority he gives to wealth and success in this life,it is not the most important thing , there are no promises for success and wealth in this world, ultimately they will do us no good,but  the real prize of peace joy and life eternal is living a life with Christ at the centre and using our lives to do his will.

"What I am trying to get you to do here is relax, to be not so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving." Matthew 7 vs 24-34 The Message