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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
A conversation between Jesus and a rich young man has particular significance for all ages and people, none more so than today.
“‘Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life? …Obey the commandments. ….I have… What still do I lack? If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth…” Prompting Jesus to observe that, “‘…it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven… It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’” Jesus assuring them, “… all things are possible.” (with God) And promised rewards for sacrificial living in the here-and-now as well as the here-after. “‘But many who are first (or think they are because of wealth) will be last, and many who are last (often given that title by those who have more) will be first.’” Matthew 19:16-30
This and other scripture challenges the values we profess and the way we “do business.” Subsequently, the church should be at the forefront of calling people to task for indifference, greed, arrogance and manipulation of resources – both monetary and human.
Is there a problem with being wealthy? I don’t necessarily think so. It’s our attitude toward money that causes concern. We don’t have to be poor to be Christians – or good citizens – but money often gets in the way of our being good Christians and better citizens; as we begin to live for money instead of using it to make not only our lives better, but seeking opportunities to help others. We spend inordinate amounts of time trying to accumulate more, becoming too busy to do the things God calls us to. Our loyalties become divided, our attention diverted and responsibility ignored. That’s why Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24 The real issue is who or what has mastery over our lives, there being nothing inherently wrong with money itself, but the Bible does advise, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.” Proverbs 23:4 As, “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many regrets.” 1 Timothy 6:9,10
Does that mean we should never try to better our circumstances? No. But Paul did advise people to retain the position in life they had when called to faith in Christ. ( 1 Corinthians 7:17-24) Not because the pursuit of better circumstances is evil but because it is so easy for us to become consumed in a desperate effort to acquire more “stuff” that has nothing to do with real life. Reminding us that “(We) were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.” (or others’ expectations) “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from your empty way of life…, but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 7:23 & 1 Peter 1:18,19
With the economic chaos prevalent in society today, a counter-cultural movement to re-evaluate what we have and how we use it has re-surfaced, and Christians should be leading that discussion; whether living with less is forced on us or embraced as a cause. A pertinent scripture dealing explicitly with our relationship to the things of this world being, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:15,16
These cautionary words originate in a simple truth. “…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 Scripture pointing out that, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 And often our hearts are purer and our responses better when we obey the admonition of Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have,…” By doing so, we learn to depend on God’s provision rather than our own effort and realize the truth of His promise, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Our reciprocating love for God expressed in obedience to his will, that obedience often expressed in service to others. John questioning how, “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” Finally exhorting us to, “…not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:17,18 (See also James 2:14-18)
The real issue is that, “…the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.” Mark 4:19 Jesus warning, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Illustrating this point with the Parable of the Rich Fool, who jealously hoarded his wealth; rather than using the excess to bless those less fortunate. “But God said to him ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:13-21
This parable as well as the story of the rich young man should never be used to rule out salvation for the rich. It is rather a call to put Christ first, to be conscious of the needs of others and ready, even eager to serve God by giving of ourselves. Which often seems hardest for conservatives – many in the church – who work hard to pay their bills and try to save for the future, to do. The protestant work ethic, as experienced through the doctrines of capitalism, promotes a wider dispersal of wealth than any other monetary system, yet it’s ultimately driven by greed. It must be regulated – either by the state or the church’s ideals – because left to ourselves, greed almost always wins out!
That’s why Paul told Timothy to, “ Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who gladly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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