James 5:5 - You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.
Matthew 19:24 - "I'll say it again-it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!"
Jesus’s teaching is not against richness or wealth - but against their motives, understanding and dependence.
Proverbs 10:22 -The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, And he addeth no sorrow with it.
There was a famous cricketer in a particular city and also a man named Ramesh lived in the same city. Always Ramesh spoke about this cricketer as his friend and talked about him, whether in a grocery shop, a clinic or a pawn shop. As time passed, people thought Ramesh and the Cricketer were close friends. Ramesh was often approached by people to coordinate meetings with the Cricketer. One day the cricketer was invited as a guest for their city event. The cricketer made it clear that he does not have any friends named Ramesh and has not come across this person previously.!
Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
When people rely on money or famous people, it can distract them from relying on and following God. To Some people, their dependence will be their designation, power, and professionalism.
Jeremiah 17: 7 - 8 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.
One key reason to be rich in God is to have the mindset of Christ. When Jesus lived on earth, his main goal was to fulfil his father's will. When People praised him, he never took it personally their credits, when people mocked him, he never hated them. He knows He is just an instrument to save mankind and bring glory to God.
Easily Jesus would have been a wealthy businessman. He performed miracles such as multiplying food, turning water into wine, healing the sick, and raising the dead. In today’s context, if a preacher or a person does what Jesus did, he will be a multi-billionaire (rich person)!
Jesus knows that healing the sick or multiplying food is not because of him, but because of God who entrusted him. Jesus always gives glory to God in everything he does.
When our riches are in God, we will emulate the life of Christ. Conversely, if our riches are focused on worldly possessions, we will become self-centred and face the consequences on judgement day.
Living without Christ in this world brings no joy, and it will continue after death, making it even more unbearable than life on earth.
God Bless you - Let the Riches of YHWH be your focus and dwelling place.
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