"Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction." 1 Timothy 6:9, The Holy Bible

What we determine to do in moments of decision often comes down to a choice between character or comfort. Our natural instinct is to choose comfort every time. Why would we choose a difficult path, a tough conversation, or a character building challenge? However, it is interesting to note that God is much more interested in our character, than our comfort! His love is ever reaching towards us, but He has a vision and a plan for our future that sometimes requires us to persevere through difficult moments and fiery trials. Making the choice to seek God is not the easy road of comfort, but it is the road to strength, wisdom, character, and peace of mind. It often requires us to choose what is best for someone else, instead of comfort for ourselves. I am reminded once again of the promise in Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 29:11 - 14a ESV "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and I will bring you back from captivity."

God's plan is that of a Good Father. He sees what is ahead and what the pitfalls might be. He sometimes treats us like a willful toddler if we are pulling our hand out of His and trying, with boundless energy, to run ahead of Him. He can see the slippery path that will take us headlong into a gravel pit, removing all the skin off of our knees and shins. He holds fast to our hand despite our struggle to escape. For our safety, He resists our willfulness and our ignorance. His love compels Him to protect us from the unknown disaster ahead. The Bible gives some sound advice to the young Timothy, as he learns to trust God and follow His lead.

1 Timothy 6: 3-10 "If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

We each must work hard and provide for the needs of family, but our focus must remain on seeking God and His provision for us, and not on seeking money and prosperity in and of themselves. Life is not merely about money, but is about the people around us. We do not want to become the person who is self-focused and lazy, only interested in what feels good and that which requires nothing of them. Further advice to Timothy again reminds us that character trumps comfort.

1 Timothy 6: 11-13a, 17-19 "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus... Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

I leave you with the admonition to pursue character, and God will also bring you the comfort of heart you seek. Our ultimate security rests in Him.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."