He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich. Proverbs 21:17

Let’s face it: we’re in a “have it your way,” “we do it all for you,” and microwave society. We want things done, not tomorrow or the next, but now. We want to buy it now. We call it instant gratification.

There’s nothing wrong at all with having fun; the verse isn’t talking about that. It’s referring to the desire we have to be satisfied now.

• Think of the Prodigal Son. He had to have it now.
• Think of Lazarus and the Rich Man. He had to have it now.
• Think of your credit card habit; buy now, pay later. It’s a very vivid depiction of this verse.
• Think of your prayers. When do you want them answered?

This is similar to yesterday’s verse: we need to make a course correction, toss out that which is not helpful for our spiritual walk, and press on.

If money or the pursuit of it or pleasure is hindering our walk with God, we need to remove it quickly.