Daily Devotions

Today, we expand our notion of treasure to review what we mean by wealth and riches. Are they the same thing? 

David Kotter,  Dean and Professor of New Testament Studies at Colorado Christian University whose primary research focuses on the intersection between theology and economics,  states that in the Bible “wealth” and “riches” are often used interchangeably, but he draws a spiritual distinction between the two regarding the heart attitude of their possessors.

According to his research, “riches” correspond with self-indulgent hearts while the wealthy see themselves as stewards of God’s gifts and manage their possessions in ways that honour him. For example, the riches of the young ruler (Mark 10:23-27) skewed his thinking and blocked his union with Christ but Lydia, a dealer in expensive purple cloth (Acts 16:14), worshipped the Lord with an open heart and was baptised.

Appreciating ours material wealth as a blessing from God to be used in ways that glorify him is one thing, but when this same wealth separates you from God and stifles your spiritual growth then this is an altogether different matter. Jesus is speaking to the negative aspects of riches in the Parable of the Sower when he warns that we can be “choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures.” (Luke 8:14).

Well might it be good to say, “Lord, you were not talking about possessing millions, but about coveting millions, about setting my heart on making money.” It is possible to own riches and sit lightly to them, lose them without heartache. It is possible but rare. More often achieving the first million kindles the desire for more.

Just as in our time, so it was the time of Jesus: the rich were admired and considered blessed. Jesus reminds us that possessions may become a burden, robbing us of freedom, confusing our sense of who we are.

It is difficult to let go, to give up, to start again. Realising how little I can do on my own, I turn to God for help.

God, You heap your love upon us

like a parent providing for a family’s needs,

embracing a child with tenderness.

Forgive us

when, like spoiled children,

we treat Your generosity as our right,

or hug it possessively to ourselves.

Give us enough trust to live secure in Your love

and to share it freely with others

in open-handed confidence

that Your grace will never run out.  Amen.