Daily Reflections on Col. 2:2-3 (The Rate of Exchange)

Let's face it, times are tough these days. The economy is a mess. The stock market has tanked. The housing finance industry is a wreck. Foreclosures are at an all time high. Jobs are disappearing daily. The government is printing bailout money like it's going out of style. Not a lot of security out there right now. I have facetiously joked that my wife's 401k is now officially a 201k.

When things are good we put a lot of faith in getting, achieving, acquiring riches. But ironically, the very things we were pursuing are devouring us. Credit is impossible to get if you have any scar on your record. Everyone's job is insecure. With unemployment at a 25 year high and getting worse, bankruptcy court is going to get a lot busier.

With things so insecure in our world today, many scramble for security in whatever they can find, or should I say whomever they can find. Right after the 2008 Presidential Election, one lady interviewed loudly proclaimed, "No more mortgage payments, no more car payments. Obama is going to take care of us." Um, maybe she misunderstood his platform. Just last week, a lady from my church called me to inform me that she was moving in with her boyfriend because he was going to take care of her. Really?

Unfortunately, the riches of this world are fleeting and unsustainable. Material possessions don't satisfy. As Paul says in Romans, people are exchanging the glory of God for idols. True riches, lasting riches are found in God through Christ. Col. 2 pointedly states wealth comes from the full assurance and knowledge of Jesus. In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Why do we choose to worship created things versus the the Creator of things? Why are willing to give up intimacy with God for material things or self gratifying things? Why are we willing to purposely defy God to satisfy our personal wants, needs or perceived security? Why are willing to exchange true wealth, true security, true abundant life for temporary pleasure or a lie? Why are we willing to exchange eternity with God for the something that is doomed for ultimate destruction?

God, I'm placing my hope and trust in you, not stocks and bonds or government or people or material things. You truly have the words of eternal life. Why would I seek anything else but you? I'd rather have you, Lord that all the riches in the world, because they can't compare to the wealth I've found in you.