An Abundant Life Does Not Consist in an Abundance of Possessions

Having money can provide a feeling of superiority and fuel pride. Not having it can make you unhappy. But having way more than you need cannot make you happy. Many people love money more than they love God.

Jesus said, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions" (Luke 12:15 NIV). Most people believe in a different gospel.

God judges those who squander riches (James 5:1-3). Being rich is not a problem in itself. Joseph of Arimathea and Abraham were in a high tax bracket.

The real issue is how you get and use your money. The wealthy are often self-sufficient, proud, and self-satisfied. Jesus emphasized how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the Kingdom of God (Mark 10:24-25).

God will judge those who misuse their financial resources. James first charges the rich with hoarding wealth. On Judgment Day, their tarnished gold and silver will prove their treasures were on earth, not in heaven.

Where are your treasures? The question is not how large they are. Where are they? You cannot take those treasures with you. But you can send them ahead by using them to serve God and others while you are on earth. 

God judges those who cheat their employees (James 5:4). Rich landowners in James’ day partly accumulated their wealth at the expense of their laborers. On Judgment Day, the stolen pay and the cries of the cheated workers will be witnesses against them. Mistreated workers have an Advocate in heaven. God will settle all accounts eventually. An employer’s responsibility is a fair day’s wage for a day’s work.

God judges those who indulge themselves (James 5:5). Extravagantly wasting material resources incurs God’s judgment. Conspicuous consumption is foolish. Having the latest and greatest of everything cannot fulfill you.

Christian discipleship includes self-denial. Jesus said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23 NIV).

Perhaps you indulge your children or grandchildren instead of yourself. You do them a disservice if you give them everything they want. Learning to deny themselves serves them much better. It will prepare them to become fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ.

To whom much is given, much is required. With riches comes greater responsibility. Greed is an impossible-to-fill bottomless pit, eternally crying for more, more, more.

Managing your financial resources well will earn a “‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21 NIV). What is your takeaway? See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.  #freediscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources 

God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 6,671 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 15,636 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting. 

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