The Heart of a Rich Man

 

Riches and wealth have an up side, and they have a down side. The up side is the ability to effect and touch the lives of other people. The down side is the distraction of the heart from an eternal perspective to a temporal and earthly perspective.

            Jesus spoke much about riches. He said, “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” In His kingdom inaugural sermon He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things [that you have need of] will be given you.” And to a rich young ruler who faithfully kept the Mosaic law, Jesus lovingly said, “One thing you lack -- go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” And that man turned and walked away sad. After that conversation Jesus said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” He even had a statement about profit and loss. “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul?”

In twentieth-century America the average person has more disposable income than almost all of human kind of centuries past. That is the average person. The top tier of Americans, of whom there are more and more every year, probably have more wealth than an entire village in centuries past. I personally have friends who own several houses, multiple cars and recreation vehicles, and annuities and investments so massive that only their heirs could ever spend it all. I have seen men stand in front of the television, watching in delight, or in agony, as the financial report told them what they were worth on that day.

The heart of a rich man should be utterly thankful. God’s gracious and bountiful provision has blessed that man, no matter how hard he has worked to earn his wealth, or how wise he has been in business ventures. Yet so many complain about paying taxes, about regulations upon their investments, or the politicians who cause inflation, and every other sort of hardship.

The heart of a rich man should be generous, both to God and to those who are needy. Jesus praised the widow who gave her last mite, and chastised the religious leaders for tithing their cumin while ignoring the needs of the poor and oppressed. Abraham was a wealthy man, but he used his wealth to provide handsomely for employees and family alike, as he set out on a costly venture for God’s kingdom plan. The same is true of Noah, Job, Moses, David, Daniel, and Esther. God gave wealth to these men and women, and they used it for God’s kingdom.

The heart of a Godly rich man is not self-focused. It is not selfish. It is not stingy. It is not complaining. It is not hording. It does not always clamor for more. It never counts what it owns, but rejoices at what it can give. It is humble, never pretentious, prestigious, or prideful. Yes, it is wise in spending, in investing, and in giving, but never uses that carefulness as an excuse for personal gain. It always trusts God, for more or for less, in plenty or in need.

The heart of a rich man is measured by its focus. Are you content with God’s provision? Are you happy and eager to advance the kingdom of heaven? Or are you always wanting more, worried about your needs, your image, and your lifestyle? Are you focused on earthly treasures, and maybe you don’t even know it? Like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day.

“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and sneered at Jesus. (Lk 16:13-14)

If you think your heart needs a check-up, to determine its focus, then talk to God about it. Not your accountant. Your finances are as important to Him as they are to you.