Don't put your trust in violence; don't hope to gain anything by robbery; even if your riches increase, don't depend on them. Psalm 62:10 GNT 

Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:20-21

The pursuit of money or “riches” as the Psalmist terms it, seems to be really prevalent in our society. It probably is in most places and most times. There are people who measure their worth by how much they have, how much stuff they have accumulated. There is an interesting difference between some of those with lots of riches. Many are never happy and just want to acquire more and more, never satisfied with what they have. Certainly never sharing with others that may be in need.

Then we have others with riches who give much of it away. An example is Andrew Carnegie, one of the richest men in the 19th century. During is life he gave away about 90% of his fortune to various foundations, charities and universities. You can see his name on universities, art museums, scientific research concerns and especially libraries. There are over 1500 libraries that he funded throughout the USA and in London.

Elsewhere in the Bible we hear:  To those who are given much, much will be required. Or, in other terms, we are blessed to be a blessing. Our attention should not be just on how much we can acquire, after all we can’t earn heaven with it, or take any of it along when we die. God has given us all of Creation to care for, and benefit from. But it is not just “ours”, it belongs to everyone. Jesus tells us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and provide housing and shelter to those in need. That is what we are to use our earthly treasures for – to care for all of God’s people. 

God of everlasting life, you have granted us the gift of eternity with you. May we live in your love, knowing that death is not the end. We confess our sin of hanging onto many earthly treasures too tightly. Help us to focus on following in the footsteps of Jesus, caring for the needs of others.  Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party