The Beggar At Your Gates: If I Were A Rich Man…*
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NASB)
How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.
Luke 18:24-25 (NKJV)
Wealth isn’t evil. If it were, Heaven’s streets wouldn't be gold. Only the 'Love of money' (1 Timothy 6:10) is evil. It's a rich person’s trap that few avoid. 'Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction' (1 Timothy 6:9).
But how many of us dream of millions?
The lottery is one indication. In 2021, Americans spent 105 BILLION dollars on the tiniest chance to gain riches.
The odds of winning the Powerball or Mega Millions grand prize are, respectively, 1 in 292,201,338 and 1 in 302,575,350.’ (Motley Fool article). The lottery continues to expand like a mega-rich king feeding on dreams.
How many choose jobs because of money?
Among Christ’s last Words to His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane are, 'Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak' (Matthew 26:41).
As a Man, Jesus chose a humble life with humble parents from a humble town. He could have chosen to be born and raised as a king or chief priest… (because He’s both).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ: If you were born rich… or financial blessings have chased you down, be diligent to follow Paul's advice.**
Never let wealth upstage the Source of wealth; 'Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold?' (Matthew 23:17). God owns your wealth as well as your talents.
Unworldly advice: If you aren't wealthy by worldly standards, don't seek it or hang with people who do. Because easily 'The cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the Word, and It becomes unfruitful' (Mark 4:19).
Instead, cherish the Word. Cherish Jesus. He will surely supply all of your needs. (If you tithe, Your Father will exceed them.)
The Beggar At Your Gates: If I Were A Rich Man… (Part 5)
* 'If I Were a Rich Man' from Fiddler on the Roof' http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/fiddlerontheroof/ifiwerearichman.htm
** ‘Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 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 as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life’ (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.