Choose Spiritual over Worldly Wealth – Family Devotion – August 12, 2020

Read: 1 Kings 3:5-12

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.”
1 Kings 3:10-12

Choose Spiritual over Worldly Wealth

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

If you could have anything in the world, absolutely anything you asked for, what would you want?

There might be all kinds of things running through your mind right now! The newest iPhone! All the video games ever! A new bike, no wait, three new bikes! A mansion on the beach! A pony! A rainbow-sparkled unicorn! A rocket ship to take me to the moon!

Meanwhile parents may be thinking, “I’d like all my bills paid, a bigger house, and a car with no dents in it, please!”

The question is hard for us even to imagine. We know it would never happen to us. No one ever gets everything they ask for.

Except, it did happen one time. It happened to King Solomon. God came to Solomon as he became king in place of his father David and told Solomon he could have anything he wanted.

Here’s the amazing thing though—Solomon didn’t ask to be famous, for money, or for anything even close to that. Solomon asked for wisdom. Solomon asked God to give him a heart and mind that would help him make good choices as king and in his life. Simply put, Solomon was asking for a heart that was guided by God’s Word. That’s true wisdom.

Now before you kids (or adults!) say, “Boring!” think again. The Lord was very pleased with Solomon. He could have asked for anything in the world, but all those things like money and possessions eventually go away. That’s why Solomon asked for something that was more valuable. And incredibly, God blessed Solomon with worldly riches too.

Learn from Solomon today. All of us may dream of various toys or tools or technology that we would love to have. But know what treasure is the most valuable! There is no treasure more valuable than knowing Jesus Christ as our Savior from sin. When you focus on your relationship with him and on his Word, that is true wisdom. And just like Solomon, God will bless it!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me to love and treasure your holy Word. When I read, study, and learn from your Word, I know you will bless me and give me true wisdom. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What are special things that you want to have some day?
• Why is God’s Word so valuable and important?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain why having lots of money could lead you away from God.
• How can families show that they treasure God’s Word?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain how wisdom is different from intelligence. Then explain why wisdom is often more important than intelligence.
• If someone has godly wisdom, identify the kinds of choices they will make in life.

Hymn: CW 757:1,2 – Where Your Treasure Is

Refrain
Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be.
All that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last; come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is, your heart shall be.

What do you gain from all your worry,
What you should eat or what to wear?
There is no peace in stress or hurry.
Do you not know that you are held within God’s care?
Refrain

Look at the ravens high above you.
They do not work their whole life through,
And yet God feeds them and protects them.
So how much more will God protect and care for you?
Refrain