are one of the top 5 percent of wealthy people in this
world. Very few people throughout the world have a roof
over their head and a car. If you have two cars, you are
one of the top 3 percent wealthiest people in the world.
We in America have a roof over our head and a car, and
we don’t think we have much.
Gene Getz, in his book Rich in Every Way, indicates we
should evaluate our thoughts and attitudes of the heart
and consider the following questions to detect our true
perspective on material possessions:
• What do I think about most?
• What occupies most of my emotional and physical
energy?
• How do I respond emotionally when I see human
needs?
• How do I respond when I hear biblical messages on
what God says my attitudes and actions should be
regarding material possessions?
• How do I respond when I feel I may need to part
with some material possessions so they can be bet-
ter used to meet someone else’s needs or to help
carry out the Great Commission?
• What priorities do I have other than making
money (such as worshiping God, learning
God’s Word, spending quality time with
my family, serving others in my church,
or bettering the community)?
• What is my attitude when I give?
These questions help us to
determine whether our treasures
are on earth or in heaven, because
where our treasure is, there our hearts
will be also (Matthew 6:21; Luke 12:34).
If we find our hearts are in heaven, we
will certainly be content. This is my
prayer: Lord, make me content with who I
am, what I have, and where I find myself.
I know it is where I find myself that You
will meet me and, if necessary, change
me. I want Your will to be done on earth
as it is in heaven, and I want You to direct my
steps. Amen.
Wallace J. Sibley serves the Church of God as
secretary general. Dr. Sibley has served in
many capacities, including as a member of
the Executive Council, director of Evangelism
and Home Missions, director of Cross-
Cultural Ministries, state overseer, and pastor.
EVANGEL • MAR 2009 13
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