Are You A Rich Man?

Mark 10:17-27
    
    Are you rich? If I asked 99% of American’s if they were rich, the answer would almost certainly be, “No!” We tend to think only those top 1% are rich. We usually consider it to be people who net $400k+ a year. Concerning modern wealth, I want you to consider Jesus’ encounter with the man we know simply as “the rich young ruler.” First, Jesus unequivocally loved this man, but didn’t tell the man what he wanted to hear, or what made him feel good. Jesus told him the truth and caused him to grieve (Mark 10:21-22). Loving someone doesn’t mean we have to agree with everything they do in their life, rather we need to teach them “what shall I do to inherit eternal life” (Mark 10:17), whether it grieves them or not. Secondly, I want you to consider Jesus’ statements “Children, how hard it is to enter 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 the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:24-25). We know this man was “one who owned much property” (Mark 10:22) but I would argue the vast amount of today’s modern American’s are “richer” than this man. This rich man didn’t have free education, a smart phone, climate control of any type, a motorized car, microwave, television, high speed internet, a daily shower, close toed shoes, or even indoor plumbing. Because of our modern living and the advancements in society, it’s safe to say everyone reading this right now is richer than that man. Now knowing that, consider Jesus’ statements again. Read Mark 10:17-27 and realize that not only does it still applies today, it might even apply more. I’m not saying modern society is bad, but it certainly can make it more difficult to “enter the kingdom of God” and “seek and save” the lost (Luke 19:10).  “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). I love you all!

In His service,
Steven Hugley