The other day I heard an interesting account of how a man from humble origins had become a billionaire.
But sadly, now he is dead. And no doubt following his demise there would have been those who will have
asked, ‘Just how much did he leave?’ To which the answer would have been... EVERYTHING of course.
THE PERILS OF WORLDLY WEALTH
As a follower of Jesus, when hearing of someone’s death, I always wonder where they stood in relation to
God. Would this man have been sure of a place in heaven through coming to experience saving faith in
Christ Jesus? Or had he entered eternity simply hoping for the best? After all, the Lord Jesus says...
‘I tell you the truth, no-one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’
John 3:3
I also wondered on this occasion if my billionaire friend had appreciated the true origins of his ability to
make money. The Bible leaves us in no doubt...
‘But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability
to produce wealth.’
Deuteronomy 8:18
Now at this point it must be stressed that God doesn’t oppose the accumulation of wealth, far from it.
Rather it’s what’s done with wealth that matters to Him. In fact we’re warned concerning the perils of allowing
wealth to become an idol...
‘...the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for
money have... pierced themselves with many griefs.’’
1 Timothy 6:10
THE JOYS OF HEAVENLY WEALTH
Of course Christ Jesus also speaks of wealth that can be accumulated in this life, but ‘banked’ in heaven... a
form of ‘pension’ which is truly out of this world...
‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for
yourselves treasures in heaven...’
Matthew 6:19-20
God, speaking through the Apostle Paul to his young protege Timothy, says...
‘Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and
willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves and a firm
foundation for the coming age...’
1 Timothy 6:17-19
So, the challenge for us all is that as we take an honest look at what we’d consider to be our ‘treasure’ we’ll
actually expose the true condition our heart...
‘…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also...’
Matthew 6:21
Comments