A Word to the Rich
Mar 10 2023 - Eric Buresh
I’m typically super-excited to write. As I think about God’s Word and the beauty of Christ, joy, hope and life often explode in vibrant color in my mind as His Light ignites the prism of my soul. This is not one of those easy-to-write posts . . . I’ve been putting this one off, resisting, but the Spirit keeps telling me to write it. So, here goes.
While there are exceptions, we are overwhelmingly a rich body of believers in a rich country in a rich county in that rich country. And I’m not talking about spiritual richness, I’m talking about money. It’s a tough fact to acknowledge. To say, ok, I’m rich. If you’re anything like me, I’ve always been inclined to point to someone who is richer and declare that I’m not rich. I know in my heart that’s a disingenuous game. It reminds me of the quote from John D. Rockefeller, the original billionaire, when asked how much money is enough money, he answered, “just a little bit more.”
Being rich scares me. I fear the soul-rotting pride that too often corresponds to wealth. I fear losing focus on my heart’s real Treasure. I fear the rise of idols which are only a whimsical purchase away. I fear the strong pull of a mistaken sense of self-sufficiency. I fear a love of comfort that leads to disobedience and lethargy. I fear the fact that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for me to enter heaven. (Matthew 19:23-24 and praise God for verse 26!). Not all fear is bad fear . . . it helps us to be careful in areas that truly are dangerous. So, these are warnings for me and maybe for you as well:
To 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. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 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. 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
• Be humble. Money is a matter of God’s sovereignty and providence, not yours.
• Don’t trust in money. It is uncertain.
• Depend only on God.
• Be rich in good works. If you have the resources, use them for good. Good works are anything done in faith out of love for Christ and His Kingdom in the world.
• Be quick to share – there should not be anyone in need in your sphere of influence when you have more than you need.
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 1 John 3:17 (ESV).
The answer to John’s rhetorical question: God’s love doesn’t abide in that person. If you truly love God, you will also love others. The two are inseparable. When you love others, you will meet their physical needs on behalf of God who gave you the “goods” to meet their needs in the first place, and then they will give thanksgiving to God, the original Giver. (2 Corinthians 9:11-13). When you participate in this glorious giving chain, you take hold of that which is truly life.
If it fits your circumstance (it doesn’t for everyone in our body, but if it does), I encourage you to say the words, “I am rich.” Acknowledgement is the only way to make these important warnings personal and to understand your responsibilities in God’s Kingdom. After you admit your status, heed the warnings, and act the part God has given you. Thanks for walking this journey with me!