Last night, we talked about how to become rich in the Kingdom of God. We all have an understanding of what it means to be rich in money and possessions. Many people spend their entire lives devoted to the acquisition of more money and more stuff. There are Christians who so desire the trappings of wealth that they misrepresent the teachings of Christ on the topic (and there are numerous teachings).
Indeed, seeking after money and all that it entails can easily become a stumbling block to Christians, even as we endeavor to become more like Christ.
In Mark chapter 12, Christ teaches his disciples about wealth using the well-to-do scribes at the temple in contrast to a poor widow. These elitist scribes had drawn the ire of Christ on many occasions, but in this case he took it even further accusing them of “devouring widow’s houses.” These wealthy men were commanded to serve the poor and to take care of the widows, and it is clear Christ is teaching his disciples that they were doing neither.
While the scribes, who enjoyed being seen in their fancy clothes making a show of their offerings, a poor widow offered a tiny amount of money — nearly all she had. She was obedient to her faith.
“Truly I tell you, Jesus said, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
This poor widow, in other words, was rich in the Kingdom because she was living a life of sacrifice and obedience. If, then, you live your life devoted to sacrifice, service over self and love of your neighbor, you are rich beyond measure in the Kingdom of God. And we who are rich beyond measure have so much more to give than just money, however large or small the sum. As we discussed last night, every one of us has something important to offer.
The Apostle Paul, like Christ, also had a lot to say about wealth. His advice to Timothy was clear: seek after God if you desire a life that is worth living.
Tell those rich in this world’s wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they’ll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.
— 1 Timothy 6: 17-19 (The Message)
We will continue to say it, so you’ll never forget: Go after God and you can live in his Kingdom today.
See you next week!
The Pipe 