It is common to see the usual sights of long crowded queues across the island during the 15 days of CNY celebration. These people are none other than the usual CNY punters for the Singapore Sweep grand prize. The length of the queue increases over the 15-day period as the prize money increases with a larger pool of punters.
We thank our God that as believers in Jesus Christ, we all have a deeper and greater hope than just the instant prosperity of wealth that the world offers.
Proverbs 8:10 “Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice of gold.”
In the book of Ecclesiastes and Proverbs, King Solomon recorded that most men were eager and diligent to pursue money, and he more than any other man viewed wisdom to be greater than any financial asset or accomplishment (Prov 4:7; Eccles. 12:13-14). Both he and his father King David exalted wisdom.
In the fast-developing society like Singapore, many of us spend years preparing for a particular profession, and some work many more hours than necessary for the sake of riches and success. We need to constantly be reminded and take heed that the neglect of God’s wisdom may lead us to more pain and trouble.
King Solomon said that money might answer all things but would be far inferior to wisdom. “For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the advantage of knowledge is, that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.” (Eccles. 7:12).
We are thankful that the greatest gift God the Father has already given is His own Son, Jesus. Just as earthly fathers love to give their children precious gifts, our dear heavenly Father loves to give us good gifts too. We can expect Him to take care of us as well.
Let’s claim the promises of Romans 8:17-18 and be assured that no earthly prosperity can compare with being joint heirs with Christ and be glorified with Him.
Andrew Lim
