Money makes the world go ‘round. Might makes right. The ends justify the means. These statements have a semblance of wisdom and are confirmed by our historical bias. But are such sentiments really true? Is there something more important than money, power, or influence?
In Acts 16:16-24, some heartless owners exploited a poor girl possessed by a demon. She brought them “much gain.” What value did they place upon her as a person? According to the text, none. Paul cast the demon out of the girl, and instead of rejoicing at her change of fortune, they only saw their own misfortune. In v.19, we see their hope of gain was gone. They would make no more money off of her affliction. They could no longer force her to perform. They fought to maintain their influence in Philippi by inciting a crowd to violence on the pretext of religious fervor.
Instead of focusing on their loss, the owners should have considered the deeper meaning of what Paul did. By the power of God, he cast the demon out of the poor girl. They should have considered their ways. There is so much more to gain (and lose) than money, power, and influence. Their existence (and ours) is so much greater than the here-and-now.
Are you looking for something more valuable than money, power, or influence? Sit down over an open Bible and see the riches God intends for us, in this life and in the next. Drop by on Sunday morning!
Photo by Chris Briggs on Unsplash
