"Beware! Don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are." Luke 12:15 (TLB)
Jesus was asked by someone in the crowd to tell his brother to give him half of his father's estate. He responded by basically telling the man not to confuse good living and riches.
What Christ was saying was that there are two different kinds of riches. One is eternal and will survive God's cleansing fire. The other will turn to dust, and blow away like chaff from wheat, having no eternal meaning.
Your money does not impress God. It was his before he gave it to you, and it is his to take back whenever he wishes. For many fools know not even where their prosperity comes from, and lose it quickly. For our Master holds the title deed to the Universe. Using your money to do good for others pleases Jehovah, but not how much you make.
Then there is the kind of riches that will follow us into eternity. The love we had for one another. The things you did for those who needed your help. The Bible verses shared with your family. The lessons you taught your children through the way you lived. It is easy to be rich by worldly standards and be spiritually bankrupt. The planet is teeming with such folks. Jesus was teaching not just the crowd that day. Instead, he was reaching forward thousands of years to lay down lessons for you and me. For those who have ears, let them listen.
Copyright 2007 Timothy E. Davis