You Are Rich

 You ARE Rich. Don't believe me?

     You've heard the story about the man who Jesus asked to drop everything, sell his possessions and follow him? ((Matthew 19:16-30))

     How many of us thought, "Well good for him! He has a family back home. He's rich, he doesn't need anything less" or "Why would he give up everything? How insensitive of Jesus to ask!"

Or how many of us thought, "Foolish man! You had an opportunity to follow the Teacher, the Messiah" or "what a materialistic and selfish man. Tsk tsk"

It doesn't matter so much which one we thought, but think of the last time you had to give something up. How hard was it to let it go? Why was it so hard? Did it hold special significance in your life? Did you invest a lot of time into it? Was it an expensive item?

     This is part of the reason why there are more problems of strife, brokenness and anger (especially in America). Our phone breaks and there goes our joy. Our belongings gets stolen and our hearts rage! We call ourselves ugly because the hairstylist messes up our hair and we pay for it. (All these are my experiences..haha)

     Think of a child. Her dolly breaks and she cries and throws a fit. The adult comforts her and says, "it's only a toy. It's not the end of the world. You just have to take better care of your things." We, as adults, don't like the idea of applying that to our lives.

     Why do we hold so much significance in things like automobiles, electronics and our looks...you know, material things! Why do they matter? If Jesus asked us to give up our comfort and move away or stay where we are, how would most of us react?

If we didn't have the money to keep up with our stylish appearances, would we give it up or give it up easily? "If you wish to be complete, go and

sell your possessions and give to the poor, you will have treasure in Heaven; and come, follow me." ((Matt. 19:21)

     Am I saying, sell your house so you and your family can live in a shelter? No. What I am saying is that we shouldn't hold so much value in material things! That shouldn't break us if we don't have the latest technology. We worry about saving up to watch that one book turned movie when what should we be focusing on? Giving to others less fortunate than ourselves!

     We can keep using the same excuse, "Well I'm only human" but at some point, we have to look in the mirror and reflect on our image in according to God. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinth. 5:17)

Half of the things we own should be given away willingly (for the joy of others) and for our own good (because those belongings, be it materials or relationships, are not healthy nor do they produce joy).

     I'm going to say it now, unless you are living in poverty in a third world country (because let's face it, I RARELY see posts like, "well I haven't showered or eaten in 2 weeks" posted on Facebook) then you are part of the fortunate ones...material-wise.

For those who personally know Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are rich in blessings of your salvation! Yes, even if you are living off of food stamps. You, my friend have the riches because of your Heavenly Father. SHARE the wealth of salvation, joy and little nifty gifts!

     I encourage you to find your identity in the One who loves you eternally and deeply so that when you have nothing left, you can proclaim your riches of your Father ! "But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:12)

See, YOU are His child!

But,

it's never too late or too early.

Ask God in a simple prayer, no matter who you are, for a well of refreshment to your confused, poor, or hardened heart who longs to know the love of God so you can share that same joy in love with others. He loves you, dear friend!