A football star and a king 👑
Tom Brady, the quarterback of the New England Patriots, had arrived. He’s won three Super Bowls, has incredible wealth and a secure future. But, with all of his accomplishments and fame, in an interview, he said, “Why do I have three Superbowl rings and still think there is something greater out there for me? I mean, a lot of people would say, “Hey man, this is what it is. I reached my goal, my dream, my life. Me, I think it’s got to be more than this. I mean, this isn’t, this can’t be, what it’s all cracked up to be.” Steve Kroft, the interviewer asked, “What’s the answer?” Tom Brady replied, “I wish I knew; I wish I knew.”
Tom Brady has it all but in his own mind he has nothing of real value. No satisfaction, no passion, no closure, no reason for any of it. He is not alone. Thousands of years ago, King Solomon was caught in the same exact spot. These are his words:
“I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees… In all this my wisdom stayed with me. I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 2:4-11, NIV)
I like to call Solomon the King of Bling. He lived 1000 years before Jesus arrived and he had it ALL. His name means peaceful and during his reign Israel knew peace and prosperity that defies the imagination. You name it, he had it or he could get it without any effort at all. He had it all and yet, his life was empty. Why? Simple answer, he didn’t do what God asked him to do. Solomon wasn’t always driven by money. In fact, there was a time when he was known for his wisdom more than his wealth.
friend, how many of us can say that we are different? If someone like Solomon, whom God chose to build the Temple, a house for God and for the nations...if he can stumble and fall because he was always searching for more, how are we exempt?
I have some suggestions for you, but you will have to come back tomorrow! Today, let’s pray together as we continue in this series of contentment: “Jesus, I pray for my friend friend as together we walk through this topic of contentment and finances, which may not be easy. I pray that through your encouragement, examples and words, we can apply truth to our lives that will bring contentment as we grow in our faith with you. In your name, Amen.”
friend, go in peace today knowing that this is a struggle for everyone, in some capacity. You are not alone on this journey! And never forget my friend....
You are a miracle!
