Christians are the wealthiest people in the world (see Eph 1:18). Yet what does that mean? Some Christians have been given a heavy responsibility of stewardship. The Lord has given them extensive material wealth to be distributed according to His specific directions. Such was the breathtaking wealth of Solomon.
All Christians have been given an awesome inheritance in the "unfathomable riches of Christ" (Eph 3:8). These are interior riches. Some of these riches are to be "rich in mercy" (Eph 2:4), love, compassion, justice, and many other virtues, charisms, and graces of the Holy Spirit.
Frequently, spiritual riches are not recognized as valuable. Because of this sinful failure, some people gain worldly success and lose their immortal souls (see Lk 9:25). However, other people lose their lives for love of Jesus and paradoxically gain their lives (Lk 9:24) and the ultimate riches of eternal life in heaven.
All Christians are rich (Rv 2:9). But what are true riches? Which riches can you take with you after death? How can we store up riches in heaven? (Mt 6:20) Everything is at stake on how we live the answer to these questions. Be rich in God's eyes (cf Lk 12:21).
| PRAYER: | Father, make me wise in the area of wealth so that I may accept Your salvation on Your terms. |
| PROMISE: | Jesus "summoned the crowd again and said to them, 'Hear Me, all of you, and try to understand.' " –Mk 7:14 |
| PRAISE: | John, a lawyer, has devoted his legal career to the defense of pro-life causes. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College