A camel to pass through the eye of a needle

It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God. 

Why do you think Jesus made such a strange, disquieting statement about the wealthy?   Did he disdain the prosperous and abhor their affluence?   No, Jesus had wealthy friends like Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, along with a group of wealthy women who supported his ministry.   He didn’t think that the rich are inherently more sinful.   He was warning that money and possessions can be significant obstacles to living life in his kingdom.

Jesus knew that having the wrong mind-set toward money and possessions can lead us to deny God his rightful place in our lives.   We may become self-serving and think only of our comfort and our desire for greater and greater financial security.   Or we may be easily distracted by the cares and responsibilities that come with greater wealth.   For instance, we may spend all our time and energy worrying about our bank accounts and trying to protect all that we have.   Or we can get a false sense of security that leads to a greater sense of pride and self-sufficiency.   No wonder Jesus gave such a strong word of warning!

If you’re well-off financially, take Jesus’ caution to heart.   Do the best you can to keep money in the proper perspective.   Be grateful for all he has blessed you with, and try to be a good steward of these blessings.   Remember too that where much is given, much is expected.   So use your resources wisely, not only for your own good, but for the good of others.   Be generous to the Church and the needy.   Set your heart on the Lord and seek to give him glory with everything you own.

If you’re struggling just to make ends meet, don’t let anxiety or cares weigh you down.   Keep following the Lord!   Trust his love and provision for you, even as you work to strengthen your finances.   Ask him to give you a generous heart as well, so that you can give to other people in a way that’s in-line with your means.   The Lord will shower blessings on you according to his unlimited resources!

Word Among Us