GOD WANTS YOU TO BE RICH

Throughout history, there have been countless individuals who were, at the same time, both (1) materially wealthy and (2) faithful servants of the Lord. Job and Abraham fit into that category. On the other hand, some individuals who had a very limited amount of material resources also were faithful children of the living God. Perhaps we recall the widow who gave her only two coins or the Christians in the churches of Macedonia who were described as living in deep poverty (2 Corinthians 8:2).

The Bible’s message is clear: a person’s financial status is not directly related to his/her relationship with God. Being rich does not mean you are a better person, nor does a lack of wealth hinder a person from being a loyal servant of the Creator. We understand and accept all of these truths. There is a sense, though, in which God does want every human to be rich. That includes you and me. Let us take a look.

As we consider Jesus’ purpose in coming to this world to live as a human, or perhaps, as we think about one positive consequence of His coming, what truths are set forth about this in 2 Corinthians 8:9? There the Bible says, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” Whatever was involved in Him leaving heaven and coming to live in the flesh as a human and servant, through Him it is possible for us to “become rich.” Rich in what sense? In the spiritual realm. In that same letter to the church of God in Corinth and Achaia, Paul earlier related that, though he and other apostles were poor in a material sense, yet they were able to accomplish something through their proclamation of the gospel. What was that? He said they were “making many rich” (2 Corinthians 6:10). Again, rich in what sense? Spiritually. As Paul and other followers of the Christ taught the gospel to lost people, when those lost folks believed and obeyed the gospel message, they were born into God’s family. Once they were in the Christ, they had access to all spiritual blessings, including the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:3,7). As Christians, we rejoice because of our spiritual blessings, we are joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), and we have an inheritance awaiting us in heaven (1 Peter 1:3,4). We are rich, indeed! Consider three specific ways in which our Lord wants us to be rich.

First, He wants us to be “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). Jesus actually used those words to describe a wealthy, foolish farmer who was not rich toward God because he left God out of his life. One who is rich toward God recognizes Him as the Source of all blessings (Acts 17:25), loves Him, exalts Him rather than self, trusts in Him instead of self, and makes certain that his life is centered around God and not the pursuit of earthly treasures.

Second, we are to be “rich in faith” (James 2:5). James used that language to describe those who are chosen in the Christ and heirs of the kingdom which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. An example of one who was “rich in faith” was Abraham. The Bible says he was not weak in faith, did not waver at God’s promise, was strengthened in faith, and was fully convinced that God was able to do that which He promised (Romans 4:19-21). If we are rich in faith, we have strong convictions based on God-given evidence and are committed to doing what the Lord says, regardless of what others think, say, or do.

Third, God instructs us to be “rich in good works” (1 Timothy 6:18). That instruction was given to those who are rich in a material sense. Such people are charged to trust in the living God, do good, be ready to give, and willing to share (1 Timothy 6:17,18). In principle, all saints should have a heart that is ready to be involved in good works, including sharing material resources with others who genuinely stand in need.

Jesus spoke to the church in Smyrna about their poverty, then added, “but you are rich” (Revelation 2:9). They were rich because they were the recipients of all spiritual blessings in Christ and had the hope of an eternal inheritance in heaven. While they lived on earth, He wanted the disciples in Smyrna (and us) to be rich toward God, rich in faith, and rich in good works.