CERTAIN RICHES OR UNCERTAIN RICHES. Most people would readily invest in a profitable and secure venture. Very few, if any would consider or waste much time weighing a risky investment. Paul addressed the subject in a very direct manner and with a warning to those who are rich with the wealth of this world. His message and admonition was three fold. They were not to become arrogant because of their status as a rich person. They were not to trust in their uncertain riches. Under certain circumstances the value of all commodities can be easily eroded. Currently we are seeing the collapse of what have been rich and successful companies, almost every day. Millions who have trusted in the their pensions with these companies have seen them become completely void of any value whatsoever. The third thing that he addressed was placing our confidence in the right person, the living Lord. The bountiful One. He who gives us RICHLY, ALL things to enjoy. Every gift of the Lord is enjoyable. He is capable of meeting all of our needs. 1 Tim. 6:17 He daily loads us with benefits. Ps. 68:19
WHAT JESUS HAD TO SAY. His statements are always of prime interest to those who would follow Him. His sayings are words by which we are to pattern our lives, both naturally and spiritually. There is great truth and benefit to be derived from His teachings. We do well to give the greatest heed to them. The ability to conduct ourselves wisely with the handling and expenditure of our funds is in ones favor. For if we are unfaithful and mismanage worldly assets, how can we be trusted with the true riches, with spiritual possessions, the true riches of the Lord? Luke 16:11 Jesus spoke of the seed, the Word of the Lord, which when sown fell among thorns. The thorns being, the CARES of this world, which are those things of this life which we often struggle for and end up sacrificing our spiritual life for them. Then RICHES. When does one become rich, what is enough? Jesus warned about the deceitfulness, the delusion of riches. It brings neither contentment nor happiness. Mt. 13:22 Riches can have a detrimental effect for those who would enter into the kingdom of God. Particularly the pursuit of the same which can really become a thief and a robber of time and effort which would be better used in a sincere search after things spiritual. Mark adds to this list of spoilers, The LUST of other things. Mark 4:19 That opens the door wide to the inclusion of most anything pertaining to the worldly order of things. Lastly Jesus mentioned the PLEASURES of this life. Never before in the history of the world has there been such an availability of every kind of worldly pleasure. Whatever enjoyment is derived from participation in these pleasures is only momentary. They bring no permanent or lasting pleasure. So often they leave us with a great feeling of emptiness. None of these activities will produce the fruit of perfection. Luke 8:14
RICHES TO BE SOUGHT AFTER. There are riches which are of far greater value than any which are to be found in the ways of this world. These are the riches and benefits provided for us by the Lord. They are satisfying. They are for time and eternity and are most certainly worthy of our full time and effort to gain all of them. There is no better starting place than with the riches of His grace. That divine pardon and cleansing from sin, of which we are unworthy. Yet the Lord has so abundantly bestowed upon us. Mercy and forgiveness that is unfathomable and most difficult to explain, but we have experienced it and rejoice in His grace. It is full and complete. Eph. 1:7 It is grace that is made known through the Lord Jesus Christ. It is abounding and over flowing, ceaseless and eternal grace which will be manifest throughout eternity. Eph. 2:7