Are we rich?

My mind went in all different directions as I contemplated the complexities of this question. My son asked this question because the pastor’s message was about stewardship of finances. He also wondered because the pastor mentioned how God wanted us to “test” him on the promise found in Malachi 3:10. “What do you mean by are we rich?” I asked back. “Well, you know, do we have a lot of money?” As my wife and I looked at each other, I paused and started thinking about what I believe “being rich” is. Then, I started taking a mental inventory of all we owned. Afterward, I thought about how much other people have compared to us.

Not sure how to answer his question, I responded with, “Well, it depends on who you ask. There are people who say they don’t have “a lot,” which I consider rich. Also, there are some people who have “a little” who I also consider rich.” Then, as he looked at me, somewhat perplexed, he again asked, “Yea, but are WE rich?” “Well, if you are asking about us, I’m going to say yes. However, not because of possessions, but because of so much more God has given us.” I then continued, “God has blessed us with a good home, health, friendship, His word, but most importantly, a personal relationship with Christ for eternity. To me, everything else is icing on the cake.”

I then explained how the world considers people “rich” merely because they have safely managed drinking water while others think that having a million dollars is rich. Therefore, “rich” is subjective. Finally, I concluded that being rich consisted of two things for me. The first was contentment, the second peace. In terms of material possessions, Scripture tells us that God gives to every one according to his sovereignty and that we must trust in this. In addition, He calls us to be good stewards of and use it all for His glory.

However, the most valuable gift he gave us is His Son, and through His sacrifice on the cross, a personal relationship with Him. This wondrous gift provides both contentment and peace. Thank Him for sharing his richness with us and making us rich beyond anything we can imagine.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

1 Timothy 6:17-19
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. ¹⁸ They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, ¹⁹ thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Pray:

Pray for courage to be obedient to what God calls you to do.

Meditate / Make It Real:

Contemplate and meditate on or memorize the passage. What is God saying to you? Then, determine what you will do with what you’ve learned.

Share / Show:

Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.