Matthew 19 - Money on Your Mind?

“23Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, 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’."

Is Jesus saying that wealth is bad? That being wealthy is a sin? I don’t believe so. Look at the verse and the verses before it. If it were a sin to be wealthy, that wealth is bad, I believe that Jesus would have said it is impossible for a rich man to enter Heaven, that he is not allowed.

However, Jesus said it was very difficult, not impossible. Why is this? Well, the rich man in question (and wealthy in general) place their wealth above all else. They believe because they are wealthy, they are above and different than others, therefore, not bound by “common” people’s laws. They trust in their wealth and covet it above all else. They use it to “bend the rules” and see wealth as a means to “buy their way out” of sin and other problems. In essence, they use wealth as their god. That is why it is so difficult for the wealthy to enter Heaven.

So should we be poor and needy. Only if wealth will cause you to sin and turn from God. You can acquire wealth, in my opinion, and still follow God, as long as you put money in it’s place, well behind God (look at King Solomon). God can use many (and any) things to further His Kingdom and will, money included. Therefore, if you use wealth as God calls you to use it, then it can be good. Don’t let greed and wealth have a hold on you. The best way to prevent it from doing that is to give freely and generously. After all, it is all God’s anyway. Use money for God’s purpose, not your own, and He will continue to bless you and all you touch. Amen?