The Good LifeSample

Day 6: True Riches:
Let’s talk about being rich!

Psalms 112:3 promises those who honor God “wealth and riches.” These two words, even though often clumped into the same basket, have vastly different meanings.

Wealth relates to multiple, sustainable possessions.

Riches typically refer to money — equivalent means of exchange or barter — and also consist of things far more valuable than money.

The Bible records an incident where Jesus addressed these two in a story referred to as “The Rich Young Ruler.” This young man’s question to Jesus was simple: “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17, NKJV) Jesus first tells him that he should keep the commandments, which the young man confirms that he has. That was step one. However, Jesus’s next requirement presented a much more difficult challenge:

“Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me’” (Mark 10:21, NKJV).

Notice the Bible says that Jesus loved this young man — and he had money. The same is true today. Jesus still loves all people unconditionally and equally. But in this incident, it was Jesus’s love that allowed Him to look into a young man’s soul and see an incomplete person. What did Jesus see? The truth that all the money in the world can never fill the void in someone’s heart.

That truth remains today.

Even though Jesus addressed this young man’s wealth, money was never the root issue. His obedience, not his possessions, was being tested. This heart check confirmed the young man’s frail condition:

“But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Mark 10:22, NKJV).

Did this young man have money? Undoubtedly. Was he rich? Apparently not. But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can have both! Having a knowledge of the Word and obedience to it are the keys.

After this young man walked away, Jesus turned to His disciples and spoke what I believe to be one of the most grossly misinterpreted Scriptures found in the New Testament. The Lord explained the situation by saying:

“How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23, NKJV)

For years, the Church at large has used this Scripture to validate a doctrine of poverty that says, “If you’re rich, you can’t make it into heaven.” Sad to say, many Christians — not knowing the truth of God’s plan for abundance and blessing — have bought into this erroneous teaching and therefore lived far beneath God’s best.

Follow me here. If money were a hindrance to going to heaven, then Abraham would not be there. Neither would David, Solomon, Moses, or the disciples. Why? Because they all had money. Actually, after hearing these words of Jesus, the disciples were completely taken aback and confused. Maybe they began asking themselves, “I wonder if we’re going to have to sell everything we own, too!” But Jesus quickly clarified the criteria by saying:

“Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:24, NKJV)

Notice the difference: trust. Friend, the issue isn’t that you have money; the issue is, do you trust in your wealth or do you trust in your God? The Apostle Paul warned his young pastor protégé, Timothy, to command those who are rich to not trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God. The question now is, “Is your strength found in the Lord your God or your 401k and stock portfolio?” Wealth and riches are yours for the taking, as long as you remember to “trust in the Lord with your heart” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV).

Life’s “true riches” — a relationship with the living God, establishing a good name and reputation, operating in godly wisdom, establishing a strong family, living in God’s Word, and having faith in Him —are things no amount of money can buy. And, as we’ve seen numerous times throughout this book, you don’t have to exchange “true riches” for material wealth.