Riches and the Kingdom
Read: Mark 10:17-25
Key Verse: Mark 10:22 – And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
Poverty is not godliness for our God is not poor. There is a wrong perception and mentality, that the poorer you are the more holy or righteous you are but this is simply not true. In fact, Abraham, the father of our faith was very rich in cattle, in silver and in gold (Genesis 13:2). Many people believe that money is the root of all evil but the scripture in I Timothy 6:10 says the love of money is the root of all evil… Not money but the love of money, having a wrong relationship with money, where money becomes your God. There is nothing wrong with having money or being blessed financially. God just does not want the money to have you.
The rich young ruler came to Jesus asking how to inherit eternal life. Jesus responds by giving him the 10 commandments. Like a good religious person, he responds I have kept all of them from my youth. Jesus said one thing you lack, go sell all you have, give to the poor and you will have treasures in heaven, take up your cross and follow me. He was given the opportunity to follow Jesus directly but he went away sad because he had great possessions. Keeping his money and possessions was more important than following Jesus.
The Kingdom of God has a supply for whatever you need that’s why Jesus said don’t worry about what you will eat, what you drink, what you will wear but rather seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all the things that you need will be added to you.
Thought of the day:
How can I make sure my trust remains in God and not in my money and possessions?