The Danger of Wealth Without Charity
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Luke 16:19-31
Scripture Quote: "If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, ‘you are my security,’ if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained, if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand offered them a kiss of homage, then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high.” Job 31:24-28 (NIV)
The account of the rich man tells us he was an uncharitable man who was unmoved by another's torment. He lived out his life in the ease and comfort that wealth can provide a person - Lazarus, not so much. Since the rich man was without mercy and the love of God was not present in his heart, he had no place in heaven after his death. But Lazarus was escorted into paradise to live forever with God.
Financial status is irrelevant - We can give cheerfully towards the welfare of those in need from whatever resources we have. The compassion we show others demonstrates God to them. We need to conform in our hearts to the spirit and mind of Christ. We who know the Lord and bear His fruit in this lifetime, will stand victorious with all the saints in heaven after our death.
Today’s meditation: Look for opportunities to share.
Memory Verse: "But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.’” Luke 16:25 (NIV)
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Luke 16:19-31
Scripture Quote: "If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, ‘you are my security,’ if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained, if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand offered them a kiss of homage, then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high.” Job 31:24-28 (NIV)
The account of the rich man tells us he was an uncharitable man who was unmoved by another's torment. He lived out his life in the ease and comfort that wealth can provide a person - Lazarus, not so much. Since the rich man was without mercy and the love of God was not present in his heart, he had no place in heaven after his death. But Lazarus was escorted into paradise to live forever with God.
Financial status is irrelevant - We can give cheerfully towards the welfare of those in need from whatever resources we have. The compassion we show others demonstrates God to them. We need to conform in our hearts to the spirit and mind of Christ. We who know the Lord and bear His fruit in this lifetime, will stand victorious with all the saints in heaven after our death.
Today’s meditation: Look for opportunities to share.
Memory Verse: "But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.’” Luke 16:25 (NIV)
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