Riches

Brothers and Sisters,

Are you rich? Answering that question may come from one's perspective on what it is to be rich. One answer to determine if you are rich may be based on what your bank accounts look like. Here in the United States being rich often depends on what state you are planning to retire from. For example, an article from Go Banking, in a state-by-state analysis, showed a serious wealth inequality between the top 1% earners and most others. In fact, the top 10% earners own nearly two-thirds of the total wealth, while the bottom 50% hold only 2.5%. There is a difference in having wealth in South Carolina compared to having it in Hawaii. 

When you read what the Bible says about being rich, one would think being rich is a sin. Being rich is not the sin; the sin is letting your riches become your god. In the Letter of James, he said, "Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten" (James 5:2). In that same chapter, there is a contrast between godliness and worldliness (James 5:1-9).

Another answer to the question asking, are you rich, may come from where your treasures are. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:21)." Yes, it is good stewardship to wisely use what the Lord has entrusted to you. God’s Word is filled with promises when it comes to faithful and purposeful uses of our treasures. However, ultimately, Jesus wants to know if we will sell all that we have and give to the poor (Matthew 19:20-23).

The Lord Jesus wants us to recognize that by possessing Him, we have all the riches we could ever want in life. You may not be able to lay on the sands of Hawaiian beaches, but He can lay you down by the still waters.  You may not be able to fly around the world, but one day you will be caught up in the clouds. You may have never sat at the tables of presidents and kings, but one day the faithful will sit at the table of the risen King!  Yes, you might not even have a big bank account, stocks, gold, and other valuables, but never forget – your Father owns all the earth (Psalms 50:10-12)! Don’t let the things that are temporal prevent you from gaining His eternal riches!

Peace!