How can we ensure our trust remains in God, not in earthly riches? Seeing Riches Through Jesus’ Eyes • Mark 10:23 — “Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, ‘How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!’” • Jesus states a literal difficulty, not an exaggeration. Riches can form a barrier because they tempt us to depend on them instead of Him. • The issue is not money itself but misplaced trust. Wealth offers a counterfeit security that competes with faith. Recognizing the Limits of Earthly Wealth • Proverbs 11:28 — “He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.” • Psalm 62:10 — “Though riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” • Earthly riches are temporary, limited, and unable to secure eternal life. Mark 8:36 reminds, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” • God alone provides true security, satisfaction, and salvation. Cultivating Heart Habits that Anchor Us to God • Daily Scripture intake — Romans 10:17: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • Consistent gratitude — Deuteronomy 8:17-18 warns against saying, “My power and the strength of my hand have gained me this wealth.” Thankfulness redirects credit to God. • Regular giving — 1 Timothy 6:17-19 urges the rich “to be rich in good works, generous, and willing to share.” Generosity breaks greed’s grip. • Contentment training — Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” Contentment grows through deliberate praise for present blessings. Practical Steps for Today • Review bank statements or budgets prayerfully, asking, “Does this reflect dependence on God or on wealth?” • Set aside a percentage for Kingdom work before anything else. • Memorize Matthew 6:19-21 — “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” • Simplify possessions; sell or give away items you do not need (Luke 12:33). • Share testimonies in your community about God’s provision rather than personal financial success. Encouraging Promises to Hold Onto • Philippians 4:19 — “And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” • Matthew 6:33 — “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” • Psalm 37:25 — “I have been young and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned or his children begging bread.” When wealth is viewed as God’s tool and not our trust, it loses power over the heart, freeing us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly into His kingdom. |
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