Striving to be Rich

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:22-24 NIV

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" Matthew 10:23 NIV

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. Luke 1:53 NIV

So why strive for riches? The Lord put a big halt to my striving for riches. Striving for riches is almost a sin in my book:

"You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor's house or land, his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Deuteronomy 5:21 NIV

Are you trying to keep up with the Jones? Are you eating good when your neighbor is starving? Keep in mind the Bible tells us in many spots that its harder for a rich man to go to heaven than a poor one.

I feel that a Rich man is one that has more money than they know what to do with. Poor in this article is in my mind middle class to the homeless. Its good to be prepared for the future, but don’t waste your time looking for riches.

The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. Proverbs 14:20 NIV

When I was in the military, with plenty of money to blow it was amazing how many friends I had. Now, I budget my money a lot better and all those old friends seemed to just disappear. Only true friends have stayed in touch with me. If your one that flaunts your money STOP and see who your friends really are.

A warning to all those so called pastors that drive nice new cars and have nice new clothes. Pardon my language but, what the hell is wrong with you? A poor man will go to your church and see what you have done with your riches and feel shunned. Take the time to know that poor man. Spend time living in their shoes for a night. Your actions cause many to not even walk in the door. The Lord has moved you to a great calling and not only do you look for riches, you shun the poor. Jesus never wore a suit also, he rode a donkey.

Bottom line Jesus gave you everything he can also, take it all away. Do not flash your money. When Jesus puts it on your heart to help your fellow man DO IT. When you do it keep in mind that he also asks us to do it out of love not for the Thank yous.