If ‘they’ are to be believed, everybody wants to be a millionaire. Lotteries are available at every corner it seems, a way of emptying pockets of ‘disposable’ income. A new, nearby casino reported over 300 million dollars in net profit in a single year, so attempts to ‘strike it rich’ are as alluring today as in the Gold Rush days of yore. And as fleeting as easy wealth has proven to be, and as life-destroying as the insatiable quest may be, there would appear to be no lack of hungry seekers. It Is now two millennia since the Apostle Paul wrote this to his young apprentice, Timothy: ‘Loving money is the first step towards all kinds of trouble. Some people run after it so much that they have given up their faith. Craving more money pushes them away from the faith into error, compounding misery in their lives!’ 1 Timothy 6:10, TPT.
Some churches have grossly misrepresented Biblical riches promised to believers, loudly proclaiming to their adherents, ‘God wants you rich!’ Rich as in bankrolls, that is. A very Western concept that is a total impossibility for well over half the world’s population. But those leading this charge show themselves surrounded by ‘the evidence’ and beseech their audiences to ‘invest’ in the ministry, thereby guaranteeing wealth for their supporters as fruit of their generosity and an answer to their prayers.
I do agree that Jesus promised: ‘I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect – life in its fullness until you overflow!’ John 10:10b, TPT. This, from a man who owned nothing, had nowhere of his own to call home, had no money and very fickle popularity, and was among the poorest and happiest of the Jewish populace of his day. So, I’m thinking Jesus was referring to something else entirely. The specific things he promised were: his peace, his joy, his love, his presence, his provision, a forever place in his Father’s home – all the things our hearts were designed to become ‘rich’ with (all things intangible, non-material). Jesus again: ‘Don’t keep hoarding for yourselves earthly treasures that can be stolen by thieves. Material wealth eventually rusts, decays, and loses its value. Instead, stockpile heavenly treasures for yourselves that cannot be stolen and will never rust, decay or lose their value. For your heart will always pursue what you value as your treasure.’ Matthew 6:19, TPT.
I’m thinking the treasures Jesus is talking about are things which nothing, and No one, can prevent us from possessing. Just think! Our hearts filled to overflowing with Jesus’ gifts to us, gifts which can never be taken away, gifts which make our hearts burstingly glad. These most precious gifts offer us an impenetrable barrier to the world’s anxieties and woes and fears – and that shaming voice, the Soul-Crusher, of our old nature. Jesus wasn’t kidding, y’all – our friendship with him has made us rich beyond all imagining. ‘Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.’Ephesians 3:20, TPT. Better than good! PD