Thoughts on wealth
The young man was sincere in his intent when he fell at Jesus’ feet
“What must I do to gain eternal life?” Every word he said was true.
The reply both pleased saddened him; as he was commended for his goodness,
yet Jesus then challenged him to forsake his wealth, a task he was not prepared to do.
An entrepreneur with outstanding success, the man in the parable was rich.
This caused him to build bigger barns, then he thought 'now I will take my ease.'
A self made man with no thoughts for God, he was warned to be prepared for his life to cease.
That night he died, called to give an account for his life; his wealth was meaningless there.
The rich man sat at his sumptuous table, oblivious of the plight of those in need
He died and found himself in torment, Lazarus, a beggar, was in Paradise.
Between these two states ‘a great gulf’ is fixed over which neither side may pass.
The lesson is clear, how we live on earth determines our eternal destiny.
These passages might cause us to think that rich is ‘bad’ and ‘poor’ is good.
However this is to miss the point, the truth lies in the attitude taken not the wealth itself.
As we read in James “ the love of money is the root of all evil” wealth must never eclipse love for God.
In committing our lives to God through Jesus, He must be Lord of all or He is not Lord at all.
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