Some say that they need to be rich, in this world, to find happiness but the humble will say that the Lord makes them truly happy. So who is right, you may ask? Well, the answer will become apparent by the end of this message. I just hope and pray that your heart is open to the truth. Rich people may say that they have everything they need to be happy. So why go on and dispute them? The reason why is, if they do not have happiness that lasts past the grave, then they are only deceiving themselves. Everyone wants joy that continues, however, the unfortunate matter is that it does not happen with most people. Because their lives are filled with things that do not include God, these people often die in this fashion and are then judged by the sins they have committed. It is true that these same people could have been wise if they had repented and turned from their sins. Jesus could have saved them and then opened their eyes to the truth. Then by praying and reading the Bible often, they would gain divine wisdom. This way, they would have known what sin is and avoided it. They would also know what God loves and do it. Solomon said, 1“whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.” By following the instructions of the Lord we are wise and avoid doing things according to the lusts of the flesh. To make things more clear, it is those people that have faith and act on it, that are blessed. Whereas the rich, who are without the Lord, will be punished. On this matter, Solomon declared, 1“a faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” It is not being rich that makes us happy but our faithfulness to the Lord God who saves. God makes us rich, through His love.
One day, every rich person that does not have the Lord’s blessings in their lives, will be cut off forever from all happiness and joy. Instead of feeling glad, because of their abundance of wealth, they shall be lowered down like unto the poor, come judgement day. What they had gained in this life will not matter but what they did with it for the Lord. Solomon said, 1“he that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.” It is clear that our wealth does not last. Therefore, the time that we have and what we do with it is important. So making the most of what God gives us is ideal when it comes to our final destination, after death and judgement is set. For those that are righteous in Christ, will be allowed into the heavenly abode but to the souls that died in their sins and unbelief, they will be cast into hell fire. We are to think about this life more seriously, and make time for the Lord. Only Jesus can save us, so trust in Him. One thing that God leads us to do, and not just the rich, is to give to the poor. Every time we see those in need, while on the streets, in supermarkets, fast food restaurants, we should stop and care for them. That could be through money, food, water or prayer. But to ignore them, we are only bringing God’s wrath upon us. Solomon put it this way, 1“he that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.” And when I hear curse, it is not a pleasant thing. I’d be very worried and be ready to get my life straight with God, if that curse was upon me now. However, all curses and the wrath of God has been lifted and I am covered by the blood of Jesus. Because I have submitted to Him, I am cleansed and am able to walk in His light. Truly, to be rich in the Lord is where all blessings flow.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, help us all to set the proper priorities in this life. May our desires be for You and not what our flesh wants. Help us stay on the right track, that we may not fall victim to the wickedness of this world. It may seem so right to a person to become rich and gain all the luxuries they’ve ever wanted. It is understandable, since most people assume that happiness comes with money. However, trusting in the world will fail them and I worry about these people God. I know that many people are like this and if they do not repent, then they will be stripped of all their happiness come judgement day. I pray Lord that You will prick the hearts of the rich, that they may be humble. I also pray for those people that are in the world now and are seeking happiness in all the wrong places. May they also wake up to their sins and repent today. May these people turn from their sins and have faith in You. Then, lead them to those people in the faith, that we may fellowship with us. May we be a light to the new believers. Help us know us show love to them and everyone around us. Even the poor, help us to never neglect them but ever help them. I pray that we will be ready to always respond favorably to Your cause. May we be listening to the Holy Spirit and always desire to be led by You, God. I trust in You. My hope is in You. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Proverbs 28:15-28 (KJV)
15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
