Rich Toward God

Luke 12:15-21 - "Beware and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.... So is the man who lays up treasure for himself (on earth), and is not rich toward God."

At the outset of this new year, the Lord seems to be talking a great deal about true riches and wealth. He's certainly not opposed to Christians having money; in fact, He loves to bless His children. It was said of Abraham that the Lord greatly blessed him, "so that he became rich and was given flocks and herds, and silver and gold, and servants and maids, and camels and donkeys." (Gen.24:35) Isaac "became rich, and continued to grow richer until he became very wealthy." (Gen.26:13) The Lord "restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold." (Job 42:10)

Scripture tells us that the prerequisite for being entrusted with "true riches", though, is faithfulness with money usage:
Luke 16:11 - "If therefore you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous mammon, who will entrust the true riches to you?"

Faithful use of mammon includes tithing (ten percent), generous giving above the tithe, and Godly stewardship of the money entrusted to us. For those who argue that the tithe is a product of the Law, and therefore, the Old Covenant, I would point out that the New Testament actually establishes sacrificial giving and being totally sold out as the new requirement. We see this in Jesus's words about the widow's mite (Mark12:41-44), the parable about the rich young ruler (Matt.19:21), and the Book of Acts.

Acts 4:34,35 - "For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales, and lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need."

Nugget of Gold: I believe the Lord wants to bless His people with increased wealth this year. However, He is looking for people who are rich toward God. Are we in that number? We can answer "yes" if we are growing in our relationship and knowledge of Him. We can answer "yes" if we are diligently pursuing love, "yet earnestly desiring spiritual gifts" (1Cor.14:1); if we are "disciplining ourselves for the purpose of godliness" (1Tim.4:7,8); if we are pursuing God's wisdom, which is more profitable than silver, gold, or precious jewels (Prov.3:13-16).

May our testimony be that we are rich in the things of the Spirit, with an abundance to give to the work of the Kingdom in this hour!