Rich In What Really Matters

There are myriad issues that separate Americans into ideological camps these days, but there are some points that evoke general agreement—one is the personal aspiration to be rich. It drives millions of Americans to buy lottery tickets; for others, it points them toward advisors whose assistance can give them a chance for better outcomes in their lifetime wealth competition.

Today, many adults long to become wealthy and believe they can achieve that goal. Age and geographical distinctions create a variance in the amount required to ring that bell, but the visceral sense of achievement in reaching a net worth metric seems an elusive prize that, for most, will never be fully realized.

There was a man living this “American” dream 2,000 years ago whose interaction with Jesus has been burned into our memories. We know him through three unique descriptors: he was rich, young, and in charge—the “Rich Young Ruler.”

He came with a question in Luke 18:18, “Good teacher: what must I do to inherit eternal life?” At that moment—before the Old Covenant expired and the New Covenant was enabled through Jesus’ death and resurrection—adherence with the Law of Moses was imperative. However, Jesus understood the motive behind this question. He could see that the Rich Young Ruler had been striving for years to adhere to the Law of Moses—and failing. But the Rich Young Ruler wasn’t ready to admit his sinful love of money. So, Jesus began to open his eyes to this reality with a simple reminder: “If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19:17)

The Rich Young Ruler replies: “All these I’ve kept since I was a boy.” (Luke 18:21) Convinced that he was already doing his best to be compliant with the Law, he still felt like there was something more. Jesus spoke into that longing: “One thing you lack…” (Mark 10:21)

This man had so much; to suggest that he was missing something was a bold confrontation. Long-timers in faith may be able to recite Jesus’ counsel to the Rich Young Ruler from memory: “Sell what you have; give your money to the poor…then come, follow Me.”

But… there’s something missing. He actually says: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21)

The Rich Young Ruler had collected a strong balance sheet and landed wealth. The wealth he had surpassed his need for continuing to work to keep the family’s fortunes afloat. Everything he had, Jesus called into question. Who was the true owner of these resources? And could he release it all to follow Jesus?

We are literally hammering out our values to someday reveal the absolute best form that we can become.

You may remember the rich young fool of Luke 12—that he acquired so much he chose to build “bigger barns” to store it all in. The problem isn’t in how much he had; it was in the value he placed on it. The problem was with his love of his stuff.

According to Jesus, “treasure in Heaven” was a superior objective. Our riches aren’t stored here on earth in estate plans or savings accounts. True riches are only successful if they last eternally.

Towards the end of this conversation, Peter asked: “We’ve left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Without missing a beat, Jesus’ answered: “…you who have followed me will sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left (anything) for my sake will receive 100x as much…” (See Our riches aren’t stored here on earth in estate plans or savings accounts. True riches are only successful if they last eternally. Matthew 19:28-29)

Our riches aren’t stored here on earth in estate plans or savings accounts. True riches are only successful if they last eternally.

God wants us to be rich—but rich in what and when? We are to be rich in good deeds, rich in generosity, and seeking the kind of treasure that never fades. The path for true wealth, then, seems to be to convert our earthly success to heaven’s significance. To put our belongings in their rightful place—as assets to steward to further God’s Kingdom.

On top of eternal life, that’s the eternal reward that makes (currently) sacrificial commitment the secret to hear: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You’ve been faithful with little; I’ll make you ruler over much…”

This article was published in our Faithful Steward magazine, a quarterly publication filled with encouraging stories, biblical teaching, and practical tools to help you grow as a wise and joyful giver. If you'd like to begin receiving Faithful Steward, consider becoming a FaithFi partner.