Are You Rich?

You will probably say that you are not rich because you know many people who have more money than you. But compared to most of the world’s population, I bet that your financial net worth makes you very rich. I have been blessed to live in comfort, wealth, and privilege far beyond most of the world. I realize that this is a gift from God and not just the product of my own doing. As 1 Chronicles 29:12 states, God determines to whom riches, honor, power, and might are given.

The world assumes that the value of life is measured by possessions, but Jesus, in Luke 12:15, warns us to be on guard against that false assumption. We don’t work just to accumulate, spend, or save. It’s about more than just our needs and those of our family. The obsession to make as much money as possible and accumulate as much as possible in this life is shortsighted. Making money and accumulating wealth can be a great blessing. But if we miss the main purpose, we end up with possessions that disappoint us in this life and will not accompany us in death.

When Jesus talked about the financially wealthy on earth, it was usually in contrast to the poor on earth who had wealth in heaven. He never condemned the rich for being rich but for trusting in their riches and remaining blind to God’s purposes because of their riches. To them, He issued serious warnings, all the while demonstrating that true wealth has ultimate and eternal importance and is stored and transported in the heart.

The real question is this: Are you rich in God’s economy? As rich as the poor widow who gave her last coin? Jesus knew her heart, her love, and her trust, and that was worth a fortune to Him. This is the wealth we should seek.

Dear Lord, as this world strives for wealth, help me to see the purpose You have for any wealth You bless me with. Give me the heart of the widow who gave her last coin to You. Amen.