God Condemns The Rich Man

pastemagazine.com

The title to this posts may be somewhat ambiguous, so let me explain.

None of us know what tomorrow may bring – only God does. We are totally helpless. In fact, He says our life is like a vapour, here a little while and then gone. That really puts the atheist point of view into perspective. What is our purpose and our meaning in life? Does the atheist know? Are we here merely to exist for a brutally brief period of time and then vanish as if never being here at all?

Some may say yes, and try to build their legacy in this lifetime. All that is irrelevant. Name me some important bankers of the 1920’s or 1930’s. At the time, they were important, well established and recognized men in their community and even within their country if the bank was big enough. Now, no one even knows their names. In fact, even in the very banks they worked, it is hard to find present day employees who are versed on these men.

So now the question of relevance becomes somewhat more important than legacy. I’m sure in their lifetime, these men were movers and shakers, making long-term plans for business. But God says:

“Go to now, you that say, today or tomorrow we will go into such a city and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow…

Essentially, it is pointed out to man that even the most carefully laid plans can fail with a big trial, mishap or even death. We know nothing about the future. But if we rely on God, we can take solace in His blessings and protection. We have to rely on the long-term perspective of God which changes everything, rather than our own carnal, human views. Then we can say”If the Lord will, we shall live…” (Jam. 4:15).

Only God can take our brief mortal life ( a mere passing mist) and turn it into eternity in His family. That is our destiny and our inflexible purpose.

But now human beings have to put away their boastings and rejoicing; their lust of wealth, driven by greed.

“Go to now you rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come unto you” (Jam. 5:1).

Of course, it’s not a sin to be rich if we put God first. The Bible features many positive examples of men who simply give more to God when they became wealthy. But the carnal mind can become corrupted with wealth and lock itself into a selfish state.

We are now living in the days of the return of Jesus Christ. World events dictate there is not a lot of time left before this event; and before what the Bible terms as the coming Tribulation, a world shaking catastrophe. Anyone versed in reputable news sources can see that there are unprecedented headlines trumpeting disasters and dangers daily. Is this really the time to “heap treasures unto ourselves?” Do you think that if you gather enough wealth you can take care of yourself? the Bible points to a different outcome.

Rather than fixing our ultimate goal on this physical earth; bowing to riches and putting physical wealth before God,  we have to surrender to God through inspired Bible study and prayer.