Profit or Poverty

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
PROFIT OR POVERTY
Prov 14:23
23 All hard work brings a profit,
but mere talk leads only to poverty.
NIV
It is certain many might see this as a word admonishing people to not be lazy and go out and get a good hard working job, or at least work diligently at whatever job or profession they have so as to make an abundant life for themselves. It may also be true that if one simply talks about working and does little about it, no profit, no gain, no abundant life will follow. Yet it seems also true that many people do work very diligently at their job and make far less in material payment then some who work very little but are able to charge far more for their skillset. But if we look at the true spiritual wealth of information which is written here we can see a profit and loss statement which has far greater ramifications than material profit. If a person merely talks the walk about being a believer in Christ Jesus and does not actually walk the talk it will surely lead to poverty. It is mandatory for a believer to walk the talk. What value is there in simple saying I am a believer? If a person is not working hard for the benefit of the Kingdom of God, what value does he have? Does God just call people into his kingdom to sit around all day within the confines of their own self, home or even church? Is simply giving God lip service about their faith in him having any merit? Mere talk will lead to spiritual poverty for sure. Far too many times God expresses his views about why he calls people to him. They are all members of one body, each having a function. They are living stones being built into his temple, all having a place, a purpose for their location. They are trees planted by the stream of living water being fruit for others to enjoy. Talking about being a believer is nothing, living as a believer, working diligently for his Kingdom brings profit to our Lord. Even talking about our faith, trusting him and then living as though all material gain id dependent on our own efforts will lead to poverty. If we say we trust him for everything, that we depend on God for all things, that we believe he directs our paths, then we have to actually be diligent to listen and obey. It does take hard work to actually believe, but when accomplished it brings great a reward, a great profit to those who really believe. God has declared some would say they are rich, but he sees them as poor. It is not about money, it is about him. Who will work hard for his Kingdom? Who will experience great profit for God? I will!