Being Rich Toward God….

Imagine standing before God and being condemned or not receiving a reward because of the way you valued things. Imagine all the things you spent your money on stood right before you. Every Starbucks coffee, article of unnecessary clothing, fast food stop, fancy car, designer (fill in the blank), new technological device, etc... stands as evidence revealing truly what was in your heart. It’s not the possession of things that condemns us, it’s our attitude towards them. Either you possess them for the benefit of life, or they possess you to later condemn you by revealing the true nature of what’s in your heart. As you age this truth becomes clearer and clearer. The only difference is, do you realize it, and make necessary changes. The accumulation of wealth will eventually stand as a testament of what’s in your heart. Let it be one of grace and humility, being rich toward God, and you won’t stand before Him with lots of regret.

Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. 2 Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. 3 Your gold and silver have become worthless. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This treasure you have accumulated will stand as evidence against you on the day of judgment. 4 For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The wages you held back cry out against you. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.5 You have spent your years on earth in luxury, satisfying your every desire. You have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and killed innocent people, who do not resist you. James 5:1-6a