06/08/2015 - A message for the rich

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Storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.  1 Timothy 6.19

Much has been said to the rich about what they ought to do. It is obvious that it is not by chance that one is born with more ability than others. Like those who can write songs and those who can interpret them or do such things which bring us much joy, there are those with the ability of negotiating and creating jobs.

The main warning given by our Master to the wealthy is to remember this: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle – openings in the walls of Jerusalem – than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God (Luke 18.25). Those who are wealthy in other areas, with different, interesting and productive skills, must not forget that these can rob them their eternal joy, if they are not vigilant.

In the two previous verses, Paul talks about six attitudes to be observed by the rich. It is always good to examine the Lord’s words, because He would not tell us something useless. Those who learn with the Father and do as He instructs will not stumble to the schemes of the evil one. The secret is to obey the commands of the Most High.

The rich must not think too highly of themselves – arrogant – nor put their hope in the uncertainty of their riches. When pride creeps into a person’s heart, they are automatically disqualified. Those who trust in their own strengths and abilities find out they have put their trust in something powerless. Why would an ability make them so different? According to Christ, only those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Another virtue is to put your hope in God. This, though, must not serve as an excuse for being idle, but an act of faith. If you wait in the Lord you won’t bow down before troubles of any kind. An obedient Christian must claim all that belongs to him, as instructed in the Word. He is a positive and fearless servant, and so his lifestyle proves that faith is the solution for everything.

The Most High also instructs the rich to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to share willingly, being approachable. Their example is Christ himself who walked around doing good, delivering God’s message and using His power to set the captives free. Having Jesus as our example, we must joyfully and orderly share what we have received, as was the case when He ordered the crowd to be fed, divided in groups of 50 and 100 people (Mark 6.40).

The greatest wealth to be acquired is faith in Jesus. Because all we learn in this life will die in our death. But the “food” He gives us will remain in us forever. Don’t be afraid, then, to prosper, but remain a servant of the Most High, knowing that you will be held accountable of the resources He has given you.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares