There are ways to live and then there are really ways to live! The range goes way beyond anything that we can control. I doubt the rich, especially those born into old money families had any idea of the life that they were coming into. The questions remain. Is this life? Does their lifestyles give us a model to aspire to?
The answer, as always, implies another question. “Depends on what you want.”
I am reluctant to criticize those who have more than I do, because I do not believe that money is the real issue. I know people who are extremely happy yet do not have much of this world. I also know those who are wealthy that enjoy peace in their lives as well. The two groups have much more in common than their differences. The question remains; do you and I know what we want from life?
God asks you for your one wish. What would it be?
God asked Solomon that question and he remembered his father's advice. We see Solomon as the wisest person who ever lived because he lived out the result of God's gift of wisdom. God asked what he wanted. Solomon remembered his father's teaching and ask for wisdom. God gave it to him and the rest is history! What would the story be like if David had not passed on his insight into true living?
Speed through a few centuries and we are sitting with choices having heard the stories. Do we remember the teachings of our fathers? Do we recall the stories of old? I rarely remember and, if I do, I usually ignore.
Solomon knew this would be the case. He passionately tried to capture the criticality of the message. “Don't forget one word! Don't deviate an inch!” (Proverbs 4.5) Remember!
The decision is not one that we make and then always remember. We have the opportunity to make our decision each morning. What will I search for today? Where is the pearl?
I want to live; really live! God offers the keys. Decision time.
