$100,000! Really?
Thus was my reaction when I heard that this was the breathtaking reward offered for the winner of the Shelby Kennedy Foundation’s world-class National Bible Bee Competition. What would you do with $100,000? I was unprepared for the overwhelming avariciousness which began to envelop me as I pondered this question and the materiality of the prospect began to sink in. With it came an irresistible, but strangely unfamiliar, craving to attain the prize. Suddenly I was willing to sacrifice my time, effort, and plans to do whatever it would take to prepare for the contest and get that $100,000!
Then God’s Spirit convicted me. “Wisdom is better than rubies.” How quickly had my priorities shifted out of balance! If I truly value wisdom more than money, I will have an even greater driving passion for digging into the Scriptures than I have for winning any monetary award.
We still did not hesitate to enroll, but it was with a whole new understanding of Proverbs 8:11 and 16:16. In fact, it does not greatly concern me whether I win or not. There is no way to lose! Studying God’s Word and getting to know Him on a deeper personal level will yield a lifetime of rewards and benefits far more valuable and precious than any amount of money!
There are only a couple more weeks to sign up. Click here to learn more and join the competition now!
Excellent perspective, Daniel! Wisdom is “more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her” (Proverbs 3:15).
Yes, well-said Daniel.
One reward that we have already begun to experience as a family is extra attentiveness to detail as we read the Bible, so that we will be prepared to answer the study questions. It is a delight to search the scriptures with you Daniel.
May the Lord richly reward your study Daniel!
That was a very wise response, freeing you from a lot of stress that could have ended up doing you more harm than the money could make up for.
The *real* treasure is the Scripture you retain in your heart for it will be with you the rest of your life.