No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money
(Matthew 6:24 ESV).
According to Dictionary.com, “rich” means having wealth or great possessions; abundantly supplied with resources, means, or funds; wealthy. That definition reflects material things.
However, the word “rich” also means having or supplying a large amount of something that is wanted or needed. This definition represents that which is intangible, such as having a rich vocabulary being rich with compassion. Therefore, it depends on the point that you are trying to make as to which definition applies. Much of my focus in this message will deal with the first definition.
In so many ways, our world has become too materialistic, and it seems on so many fronts as the old saying goes, “The poor are getting poorer, and the rich are getting richer.” There is nothing wrong with amassing wealth, but the problem comes when you let it control your life, consequently, allowing it to become your god. “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24 ESV)
I Timothy 6:17-18 (NIV), Paul instructs, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” In these two verses, Paul is saying a lot in his advice concerning wealth, indeed:
Be careful how you put your faith in material wealth because it can end up being unstable. Material things can fade away “at the drop of a hat.”
Don’t become arrogant. When you work hard and become wealthy, remember who helped you to get there: God. Turning up your nose and looking down on others can easily backfire, and then you will find yourself alone, because you have pushed others away who would have otherwise been there for you.
As you amass your wealth, be rich in good deeds as well. “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16 ESV)
Be generous and willing to share your wealth. No one is saying give away all that you have earned. The point is that you will not be blessed for being a miser. If you see your fellow man suffering, you can help, but if you do nothing, you will have sinned against God. The more you give, the more God will give to you, because you will have honored Him.
Your definition of rich may mean one thing, but it can also mean something totally different to someone else. When we look at certain attributes in life, they are judged according to one’s own perspective. Read and ponder this anonymously written story, “There Was Once a Boy,” to see the father’s perception of what it means to be rich and that of his son’s. Enjoy and please share.
“There was once a boy who was growing up in a very wealthy family. One day, his father decided to take him on a trip to show him how others lived who were less fortunate. His father’s goal was to help his son appreciate everything that he has been given in life.
“The boy and his father pulled up to a farm where a very poor family lived. They spent several days on the farm, helping the family work for their food and take care of their land.
“When they left the farm, his dad asked his son if he enjoyed their trip and if he had learned anything during the time they spent with this other family.
“The boy quickly replied, ‘It was fantastic, that family is so lucky!’
“Confused, his father asked what he meant by that.
