We visited an outdoor museum called Sovereign Hill which is situated in the city of Ballarat in Australia. In the 1850s, many, including Chinese, travelled there to seek a fortune by gold mining. Many endured hostile living conditions for years in the hope of striking gold one day. For an entrance fee of A$20, our tour guide took us down by train into a tunnel located 110 ft below ground. It was a 45 second pitch dark ride. After visiting several spots in this tunnel, we came to the last stop. The tour guide showed us a piece of quartz that would probably contain gold. This piece of quartz connected the roof and the ground. He explained that the reason it was left intact and not mined for its gold was because there was something involved that was more important than gold: the human life. This piece of quartz was the only thing that supported the weight of the roof and kept it from collapsing.

God is the Critical Factor

In the same way, we need to understand that the only object that is preventing our life from collapsing is not money or anyone but God. I am not saying that the people around us or money are not important. What I am saying is that they are not the most critical  factors that sustain you life. Can money or anyone buy you unconditional love, stop death, save you from hell or guarantee your future? Some people may be highly intelligent but they do not succeed in life. Some people may have lots of money but they are not happy or they cannot even enjoy good food. The Bible says: “Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil–this is the gift of God” (Eccl 5:19). In another place, the Bible also correctly says that “Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (Deut 8:3).

Love God

Put God first in your life. Do not treat him as your piggy bank where you pray and draw close to Him only when you need help. But when you are prospering and are doing well, you ignore Him. If you do not honour Him, He will not honour you. But if you honour God, not only will God honour you, He will bless you a hundred fold more (Luke 18:29-30) because your Heavenly Father is full of grace and mercy and desires to give good things to His children. But you must really honour and love Him from your heart. This is reasonable, is it not? Tell me, especially if you are a parent, is it not your greatest desire for your children to love you from their hearts? God wants you to love Him with all your heart and mind and strength.

If you really love God, then you will do several things. First, honour God on the Lord’s Day. On this day, you must be found in God’s house worshipping Him. Honour Him in this matter. Then not only will God bless you a hundred fold, you will find rest for your soul—real rest.

Second, understand that only God is capable of giving you real safety. Hence, you must read His Holy Word, the Bible. A Christian who does not read the Bible faithfully cannot be a wise Christian. It is no wonder that filthy things, evil thoughts and unkind words come out of your mouth and life. It is no wonder that you are weak. But if you read His Word faithfully, you will be strengthened to take on life challenges and live in real safety. Hence, love your Lord.