We have all heard the debate over whether or not a Christian can be rich here on this Earth. Many of us have partaken in the discussion numerous times. I have pretty much always sided with "YES." I used to think that the problem with abundance in this life was that it made it harder to follow Jesus, just like the young rich man who when told, "sell all you have and follow me", decided that the cost of discipleship was too high.
Money may very well in fact make discipleship less desirable. But, I don't think that is the main problem with Earthly wealth. Lets look at 1 John 3:17!
1 John 3:17
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
It is not possible to live out even one day on this Earth and not see someone who is in need. Jesus surrounds us on every front in the form of poverty. Even Bill gates could spend every bit of his money to help others and still see people in need.
If you have even a small abundance of possessions and money, having the ability to help others who lack anything in this life and you choose instead to keep what you have, the love of God is not in you and your money and STUFF will perish with you.
You can never, let me repeat myself, NEVER be rich and follow Jesus at the same time. Period, EXCLAMATION POINT! NEVER!
Do you live in a mansion filled with "cool" electronics while Children in Africa starve to death?
Do you drive a Mercedes down the block to work while those same children haul dirty water 3 miles from the well to their sorry excuse for a home?
Do you have a closet full of expensive clothes while your brother's clothes are wearing thin?
Could your bank account feed a whole village?
How many lost people could hear the gospel for the first time for the cost of your being able to watch your favorite shows on television?
SHAME ON YOU! SHAME ON ME!
Its time for the church to start living like we actually have a purpose. It's time start following our King instead of living like "kings."
When we stand before Jesus on the last day, will we stand before him as FAT goats cast aside as we had cast others aside or will we as sheep drink from the river of life while basking in His Glory?
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3 comments:
That is true. Very good points you brought out. How can we accumulate for ourselves when we have a brother in need. How do we use our wealth defines us.
Blessings,
Lance
www.lancessoulsearching.com
Wow! Very good post, time is running out for us to get it right, hot not cold or lukewarm!
Praise God!
So true, and so simple. Yet, most of us don't realize it until we hit a time of personal hardship, or until the money runs out. Very well thought out post.
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