Being Rich Toward God
Saturday, December 6
Matthew 19:23-24 (NKJV)
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, 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.”
Devotion
People want to be rich. We all want a comfortable and blessed life. We all want to be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor and to share our blessings to others. But not all of us are rich toward God. Jesus tells His disciples, “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” (Matthew 19:23-24).
The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil; money itself is not evil. [For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10).] When we put our trust in money and not on the Lord, all our working and persevering to have things are useless.
But when we put God first, when we seek Him with all of our heart and obey Him in all things, blessings flow and overflow. The greatest treasure we could ever have is Jesus. The Holy Spirit dwells in us, we are made in the image of the invisible God, His righteousness is upon us, and all our sins are forgiven when we confess our sins and live for Him. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV).
Everything else that we need—good health, a loving and peaceful home, joy overflowing, and so much more. It does not mean that we no longer have any problems. It simply means that we are now rich toward God, and everything that we need to live a Godly and blessed life is made available for us. Problems may come, situations may change, but the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; they are new every morning!
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me for wanting to have so many things. I want to be rich toward You, Lord. I do not want to seek the riches of this world to please myself. I want to store up treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. I want a life fully surrendered to Jesus. I want to honor You with my tithes, with my first fruits, with my talents, and with all my resources. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for Your nail-pierced hand and Your blood that cleanses me from all unrighteousness. Help me to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness, so that all these things shall be added unto me as well. My life only has meaning because of You, Lord. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for guiding me in my daily walk with You. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
As you go about your business today, be mindful of the way you associate with others, and be intentional in sharing God’s love with those who need it most. We are here to serve and praise God in all things. What better way is there than to serve others as if we are serving God?
Resources
- Use your God-given talents to serve others and become rich toward God—join a Serve Team today and make an eternal impact!