Poor People: The Word

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)

the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV)

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)

Jesus spent most of His time with the poor: people poor in heart, health, wealth, and purpose.

Why?

When people recognize their emptiness, they’re OPEN and SEEKING how to be filled!

Also because…

Many rich people are already full: full of position, possessions (and pride). Jesus describes them as soil with thick weeds:

'Therefore hear The Parable of the Sower... Now he who received Seed among the thorns is he who hears the Word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful' (Matthew 13:18,22).

As high flyers with big jobs and bucks know,

  • When we're used to bossing people around,

  • When we’re used to buying the stuff we want,

  • When we’re filled with work and recreation…

  • We have scant space left for anything else.

  • We may believe, praise God, and even tithe…

  • But our prime-time king is the world (not Him),

  • And the world is a merciless master!

A sobering thought! The Almighty won’t accept 2nd place. He won’t be squeezed into two Sunday hours, while giving the world the best of ourselves.

Was that the rich, young ruler's dilemma? While he obeyed God's Law in many things (and seemed so excited to meet Jesus)… he didn’t want to part with his money!

So…

I remind myself (and my “feathered” kin)– let's avoid this uppity stumbling block. No matter what plush pastors say or write, no matter what sweet words tickle our ears...

Shouldn’t we tune first to God’s Still Small Voice, which warns us of money's deceitful danger?

Perhaps we need to make ourselves poorer, so the priceless love of Christ may fill us… and OVERFLOW to the poor around us!

Poor People: The Words of Jesus (Part 32)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. 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.

ADDITIONAL READING & LINKS

* John's Questions & Jesus' Tribute to John: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mat+11%3A1-19&version=NASB

* The Rich Young Ruler: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+10%3A17-31&version=NASB

* The Parable of the Sower: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13%3A1-23&version=NKJV

Carey Arban