We cannot love and serve two masters (Matthew 6:24-34). We can be sure that, apart from Christ, even the material possessions of life give no lasting joy or pleasure. It is good to have the things money can buy, provided we do not lose the things that money
cannot buy. Unless the rich ruler who asked Christ about obtaining eternal life eventually turned to the Saviour, he died without salvation, one of the “richest” men in the cemetery.

But the highest kind of obedience is not based on a desire for reward or the fear of punishment. It is motivated by love. In His life and teaching, Jesus showed that inner, spiritual blessings are far more important than material gains. God sees the heart and
wants to build character. Salvation is the gift of God in response to man’s faith. Material riches are not a guarantee, that God is pleased with a man.

Jesus instructed: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

Also read: Mark 10:17-25; 1 Timothy 6:4-11.

Action assignment: Read Mark 10:17-25 and think about the reaction of the young man (v. 22). What was his problem? Do you have treasures more important than living in obedience to God?

Warren Wiersbe
BackToTheBible.in