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The Peril of Riches, October 21
Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is
it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It
is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a
rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Mark 10:24, 25
.
It is God’s plan that riches should be used properly, distributed to bless
the needy and to advance the work of God. If men love their riches better
than they love their fellow men, better than they love God or the truths
of His Word, if their hearts are on their riches, they cannot have eternal
life.... Here souls are proved; and like the rich young man, many go away
sorrowful because they cannot have their riches and a treasure in heaven
too....
“With God all things are possible” (
verse 27
).... Truth, sent home to
the heart by the Spirit of God, will crowd out the love of riches. The love
of Jesus and the love of money cannot dwell in the same heart. The love
of God so far surpasses the love of money that the possessor breaks away
from his riches and transfers his affections to God. Through love he is
then led to minister to the wants of the needy and to assist the cause of
God. It is his highest pleasure to make a right disposition of his Lord’s
goods. He holds all that he has as not his own, and faithfully discharges
his duty as God’s steward.... In this way it is possible for a rich man to
enter the kingdom of God....
Some give of their abundance, yet feel no lack. They do not practice
self-denial for the cause of Christ. They give liberally and heartily, but
they still have all that heart can wish. God regards it. The action and
motive are strictly marked by Him, and they will not lose their reward.
But those who have less means must not excuse themselves because
they cannot do as much as some others. Do what you can. Deny yourself
of some article you can do without and sacrifice for the cause of God.
Like the poor widow, cast in your two mites. You will actually give more
than all those who give of their abundance; and you will know how sweet
it is to deny self, to give to the needy, to sacrifice for the truth, and to lay
up treasure in heaven.
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