The concept of being "rich toward God" is derived from the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly in the Gospel of Luke. This phrase encapsulates a spiritual principle that contrasts earthly wealth with spiritual richness, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one's relationship with God over material possessions.

Biblical Context

The phrase "rich toward God" is found in Luke 12:21, within the parable of the rich fool. In this parable, Jesus tells the account of a wealthy man who, after a bountiful harvest, decides to tear down his barns to build larger ones to store his surplus grain. He plans to take life easy, eat, drink, and be merry. However, God addresses him as a fool, saying, "This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?" (Luke 12:20). Jesus concludes with the admonition: "This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21).

Theological Significance

Being rich toward God involves a heart posture that values spiritual wealth over material wealth. It is a call to prioritize eternal treasures over temporal ones. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, where believers are encouraged to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) and to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).

Practical Implications

1. Stewardship: Being rich toward God involves responsible stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to individuals. This includes using wealth to further God's kingdom, support the needy, and invest in eternal purposes.

2. Generosity: A key aspect of being rich toward God is generosity. Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" . Generosity reflects a heart that values God's priorities and trusts in His provision.

3. Contentment: Contentment is a hallmark of those who are rich toward God. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:6-7, "Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out" . Contentment shifts focus from accumulating wealth to finding satisfaction in God's provision.

4. Eternal Perspective: Being rich toward God requires an eternal perspective, recognizing that life is transient and true wealth is found in a relationship with God. Colossians 3:2 encourages believers to "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" .

Warnings Against Materialism

Scripture consistently warns against the dangers of materialism and the deceitfulness of riches. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Paul warns, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil" . These warnings serve as reminders that wealth can become an idol, diverting attention and devotion away from God.

Examples of Being Rich Toward God

1. The Widow's Offering: In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus commends a poor widow who gives two small coins, noting that she gave out of her poverty, while others gave out of their wealth. Her sacrificial giving exemplifies being rich toward God.

2. Zacchaeus: In Luke 19:1-10, Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, encounters Jesus and undergoes a transformation. He pledges to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay those he has wronged, demonstrating a shift from material wealth to spiritual richness.

3. The Early Church: Acts 2:44-45 describes the early believers as having "all things in common" and selling their possessions to distribute to anyone in need. Their communal lifestyle reflects a collective richness toward God.

In summary, being rich toward God is a call to align one's life with God's values, prioritizing spiritual wealth over material gain. It involves stewardship, generosity, contentment, and an eternal perspective, all of which are essential for a life that honors God and reflects His kingdom.