Money is
a powerful force. We work for it, save it, spend it, use it to satisfy our
earthside longings, and then wish we had more. Aware of its distracting danger,
Jesus taught more about money than any other topic. And, as far as we know, He
never took an offering for Himself. Clearly, He didn’t teach about giving to
fill His own pockets. Instead, Jesus warned us that trusting in wealth and
using it to gain power clogs our spiritual arteries more readily than most
other impediments to spiritual development. In telling the story of the “rich
fool,” He shamed His listeners for not being rich toward God (Luke 12:13-21),
indicating that God has a far different definition of wealth than most of us.
So, what
does it mean to be rich toward God? Paul tells us that those who are rich
should not be conceited about their wealth, “nor to trust in uncertain riches”
(1 Tim. 6:17).
Rather, we are to “be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share”
(v.18).
Interesting!
God measures wealth by the quality of our lives and our generous disbursement
of wealth to bless others. Not exactly Wall Street insider talk, but great
advice for those of us who think that our security and reputation are tied up
in the size of our bank account.
Riches
are a blessing only to those
who make them a blessing to others. (RBC)
who make them a blessing to others. (RBC)
