The Poor Rich ManSample

THE MORE THE MERRIER?

So the rich man walked away. He went back to his abundant possessions (Mark 10:22, NLT). Why? Let us give him the benefit of the doubt. 

I would assume that someone so concerned about inheriting eternal life understands the fleeting nature of earthly possessions. What was he going back to? Perhaps it was not just about him. Perhaps there was more expected of him than of the disciples who left behind their fishing boats (Matthew 4:18-22, NLT). 

God is not surprised when someone becomes wealthy. In fact, He deliberately decides to entrust some people with more. What a massive responsibility! "When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required" (Luke 12:48, NLT). 

We do not know what caused the rich man to decline Jesus' offer of a simpler life. We do not know the great work he was able to do in his community because of his financial resources. What we do know is that he loved God (Mark 10:20, NLT). And Jesus loved him. 

What is expected of you because of your financial position? Do you feel that you do not have the luxury of walking away from the responsibilities entrusted to you?

Be content with the life that God has given you. He is with you. "Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth" (1 Timothy 6:6, NLT).