Back in the 1970s there was a British television series called “The Good Life”. It featured a couple, Tom and Barbara, who were tired of the rat-race and tried to live a simpler, self-sufficient style of life in suburbia, growing their own vegetables and keeping their own livestock. Their lifestyle was in contrast to that of their stiffly middle class neighbours, Margo and Jerry. The show was a light-hearted comedy, but it demonstrated the futility of many people’s efforts to maintain their high living standards.
Treasure in Heaven
It is a basic human need to be comfortable. Many in the world don’t have the basics—sufficient food and drink, adequate shelter and clothing. Others live in comparative luxury, with food and drink to spare, large houses and more clothes than they realistically need, as well as easy access to entertainment and travel.
Those who are trying to follow Jesus Christ need to keep these things in perspective. In God’s word, the Bible, all human ambitions are evaluated. Jesus’ teaching on riches astonished his disciples:
And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:23–27).
Wealth can be used wisely to do good. Christians should not trust in it. As Jesus said to a rich man, ‘If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me’ (Matthew 19:21).
Jesus himself lived in poverty during his ministry: ‘And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head”’ (Matthew 8:20).
True Wisdom
Some people hanker not so much after riches as after fame: to excel in their field, intellectual, sporting or musical. Excellence in anything brings a certain sense of satisfaction, especially if it is recognised by others. But fame fades. Human skills are temporary and other younger stars soon take the stage. The apostle Paul knew these truths from his reading of the Old Testament:
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:23–24).
Paul gives us clear advice on the Christian’s attitude to riches:
Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness… As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life
(1 Timothy 6:9–11, 17–19).
Wealth and human achievement can bring us pleasure now, but they are transitory. It is faith and trust in God that leads to eternal life. So which will we choose?
Marion Buckler