We are rich ‘in Christ’
In these days of confusion and change, consider what Solomon wrote – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Prov. 9: 10)
Listening to what so many voices in our world today are telling you will leave you bewildered. Paul warned the Colossians – “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” (Col. 2: 8-10)
What does God’s word teach us about riches?
Proverbs warns us – “Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease!” (Prov. 23: 4) “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” (Prov. 28: 20) “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” (Prov. 11: 4) “He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage.” (Prov. 11: 28)
Jesus warned in the Sermon on the Mount – “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Mat. 6: 19-21)
David, in writing about the frailty of man, wrote – “Surely every man walks about like a shadow; surely they busy themselves in vain; he heaps up riches, and does not know who will gather them.” (Psalm 39: 6)
Riches cannot buy our eternal salvation – “Those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches, none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him.” (Psalm 49: 6-7)
Here are some words of wisdom from the prophet Jeremiah –
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight.’ says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9: 23-24)
