24 SEPTEMBER

BARRIER TO FAITH

“Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23, NKJV)

Really? Since the most important thing in our lives is eternal life, should we then ask to be poor to make it easier to enter the Kingdom of God? What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?

Every person has a void that only God can fill. However, the rich, as we see more in the developed world with self–sustaining economies that take care of the basic needs of their people, are often self–reliant. They try to fill the void with things money can buy, out of their abundance and the wisdom for great discoveries. Hence their abundance and self–sufficiency become their barrier to seeking God; whereas the poor seek God first to fill the void.

Wealth is a blessing from God but the wealthy should not trust in their riches. Rather, they should seek and trust the Giver and His kingdom for the fullness of life. It may be hard but it is possible. Jesus concluded: “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27).

Christians are citizens of heaven sent to earth as ambassadors of Christ and one day, our tenure will expire and we will go home. As Jim Reeves sang:

This world is not my home I’m just a passing through

My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue

The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door

And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore

Oh lord you know I have no friend like you

If heaven’s not my home then lord what will I do

The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore

ACTION: Resolve not to let riches or anything else become an idol to you.

PRAYER: Father God, please grant me the abundance of your riches but my greatest desire is to know you more and more, day by day.