A simple life in the fear of God is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches. Proverbs 15:16
“We have all heard people say, “I took a job I hate in order to make a lot of money, so someday I can quit and do what I love to do.” That’s a big mistake. Don’t waste your life in a job that doesn’t express your heart. Remember, the greatest things in life are not things. Meaning is far more important than money. The richest man in the world once said, “A simple life in the fear of God is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches.” Don’t settle for just achieving “the good life,” because the good life is not good enough. Ultimately it doesn’t satisfy. You can have a lot to live on and still have nothing to live for. Aim instead for “the better life” — serving God in a way that expresses your heart. Figure out what you love to do — what God gave you a heart to do — and then do it for His glory.”
Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life: What On Earth Am Here For?” (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002) 239.
Today’s post is the first in a series from this modern day classic book.
Warren echoes Solomon in telling us what is needful. Pursue meaning over money. This takes shape as a simple life in the fear of God. It’s the better life than anything the world offers.
The key for workers ranging from interns to CEOs is to aim not for riches but for richness.
Do what you love to do – what God gave you a heart to do — and do it in the fear of God. What does “fear of God” mean? It means living and working in a way that shows respect for God’s Word and follows God’s ways.
The Word teaches us that God made us to work, that work is a form of worship, and a way we can bless others.
But when we work for money, we show we are slaves to money. Alternatively, when we work for meaning and richness – when we do what God made us to do and do it with all our heart – we grasp this better life and we bring God glory.
Everything hinges on priorities. Ironically, when we pursue meaning, God often blesses us with money to enjoy and share.
God, show me what needs to change in my life to pursue richness – the better life that satisfies – over riches. Teach me to do what You made me to do with my whole heart for Your glory. Hear my prayer in Jesus name. Amen.