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)
