(Wednesday 23rd October 2019 Issue)
In
our generation, a person’s value is measured by what he or she possesses ....
“in the abundance of his or her possessions,” to quote our Lord Jesus. Material
things have replaced the intrinsic values that make up our personalities and
characterise us. How much we own, tilts things in our favour and gives us
influence in the community or in certain circles, giving us undue privileges
and positions.
In biblical terms, that does not obtain. It is the meek and the humble who qualify for heaven; the do-gooders, not those who wield authority and influence. Those who would stand and be counted in God’s kingdom must be humble and meek. Our Lord Jesus states: “Whosoever shall humble himself as a little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4)
A
rich young ruler came to our Lord Jesus to enquire of Him what He should do to
gain eternal life. Little did he realise that eternal life was not for sale. He
knew all the laws of Moses and practised them. But our Lord Jesus sensed
something was not right with this young man. He was tied to his wealth to the
point of enslavement. So our Lord told him: “If you want to be perfect, go,
sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in
heaven. Then come follow me.” (Matthew 19:21) His face fell simply because he
could not part with this wealth.
This
rich young leader could not make the difference between what was a means to an
end, a tool to getting things done. He mistook money as a life-source,
forgetting that money can buy you a house but not a home. Riches can get you
access to the most celebrated doctors and treatment but cannot assure you of
health.
It
is obvious that our world is driven by the scramble for riches or the
get-rich-quick syndrome -- and by any means. There is an insatiable and
devilish desire to identify with the Jones at all costs. This has led many to
their doom because they fail to curb an appetite which later will control them.
Never satisfied with little, we always crave for more and more until our greed
escalates to enormous and unmanageable proportions.
Materialism
will never be the gateway to heaven. We travel to heaven hands-free, with no
luggage. In this way, we cannot be encumbered or sidetracked. Therefore we must
seek to store things in eternity where the lifespan of every object that enters
heaven is everlasting in nature. Our Lord Jesus spells it out in; “Do not store
up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where
thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
Treasures
in heaven
A
certain King Alexander admonished against three things that we should be
cautious of, but which we uphold: they are wealth, power and our property. “For
we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. King
Solomon calls it vanity. “Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he
comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labour that he can carry with him.”
(Ecclesiastes 5:15)
We
all must live this life without losing sight of its transitory and temporary
nature; nothing permanent. Except we do, we shall always be chasing after the
wind, engaged in an effortless venture. Building or buying houses but able to
only live in one any single time; amassing futile material things that are not
durable, acquiring the latest electronic gadgets and running on the fast lane
does not guarantee any one a place in heaven.
“Command
those who are rich in this present age not to be arrogant nor to put their hope
in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly
provides us with everything for our enjoyment.....” (1 Timothy 6:17)
The
life we live on earth is nothing but a training ground: one in which we have to
prepare for the next phase. We should spend time with the infallible Word of
God. “I rejoice in your word like one who finds great spoil.” (Psalm 119:162)
Everlasting
joy is found only in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ His Son. When we put Him
first, our future is certain. All other things will come after. “But seek first
His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as
well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Trust
in God and live right; according to His precepts. “The righteous will live by
faith.” (Romans 1:17) God acknowledges those who love their neighbours, those
who our humble and meek. “Blessed [happy] are the meek for they will inherit
the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they
will be filled.” (Matthew 5:5-6)
Read
King David’s advice to his son Solomon: “And you, my son, Solomon, acknowledge
the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a
willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive
behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you;.....” (1
Chronicles 28:9)
