07/07/2014

Thought #28 — Only for those who want to be rich

Part of the series “40 Thoughts of Jesus.” View all previous here, but first learn how the purpose works here.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12.34

Since childhood, we learn to rely on people, knowledge and riches. At first, we are totally dependent on the first people we know: our parents and relatives. These, in turn, filled with the best intentions, teach us to study, to do well in school, to establish a stable future. And one of the first things we also learn in the course of our childhood into our youth is that money is a good thing and the more of it we have, the better.

The only problem is all that can turn into a big trap for us.

If we get attached to the people we love, what will become of us if they let us down, leave us or die?
If we rely solely on the knowledge that studies and science can offer, what are we supposed to do when their limits do not meet our needs? For instance, when a doctor tells us that our disease is incurable or when the best lawyer says that our case is lost…
And if we make money our security, what will we do if it runs out or is not enough to solve our problems?

That is why Jesus warned us, “Do not let anything earthly become your treasure. Because nothing on earth is secure, durable or infallible.” Our heart will always be attached to what we value the most. And if what we value is over or fails us, our life will go down with it. The solution? He gave us the hint: “Gather yourselves treasures in heaven, where the moth and rust cannot destroy it and the thieves cannot break in and steal it.”

Application: Love people, acquire knowledge, prosper as much as you possibly can — but never make it your treasure. When God becomes your riches, you will never be poor again.

Have you ever been deeply shaken by the loss of somebody or by bad feelings caused by people who are close to you? Have you ever tested the limits of Science and have been let down? Have you ever had a problem that money could not solve? Leave your comment.