As noted yesterday, how often have the poor been pitied while the rich are envied? What is it to truly be poor or truly be rich in the final scheme of things?
Often with the beginning of a new year we hear good wishes of health, wealth, and happiness. But where ought our focus to begin? I love John’s expression to the beloved Gaius where we read. . .
“(2) Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” (3 John 2 ESV)
That was a prayer focused first on the soul’s condition and for the physical health to be same. It is an acknowledgement of the significance of both the spiritual and physical life but with a proper balance in perspective. Are we considering our life as a whole in such a manner?
Jesus told the parable of a rich man whose biggest problem seemed to be regarding how to store it all. (Luke 12:16-19) Where was his trust for the future? It was in the abundance he had accumulated. He saw himself as rich though he was actually poor as we read. . .
“(20) But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ (21) So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”” (Luke 12:20-21 ESV)
Here was one to be pitied. He was pitifully poor toward God in merely laying up worldly treasure for himself. His need was to have been rich toward God!
As Jesus addressed discipleship, He stated. . .
“(23) And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (24) For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. (25) For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” (Luke 9:23-25 ESV)
Are we seeking gain to our loss or are we giving self up to the Lord as we trust Him to enrich us in His way? Acknowledging the greater value of our soul, may we not allow any pursuit to come between us and following the Lord! By so doing we have nothing of significance to lose but everything of consequence to gain!
Have a great day SURRENDERED TO THE LIFE THAT IS RICH TOWARD GOD!
Carl
