What did the businessman see?
What my friend saw was some of the, “true riches” promised to Believers. Jesus said, “If you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?” (Luke 16:11).
Some of the richest people I have ever met have been in some of the poorest of circumstances. like this church in Smyrna, “These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!” (Revelations 2:8-9).
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Should I make a list here of, “true riches?” I don’t think so.
It is something you have to “see” for yourself. I never thought that my dad was the “richest man I knew.” But now after more than 50 years of ministry, working with ministers from all walks of life, I can say that none of them are any richer than my dad was.
He was an example to my brother and I of a man of God. Dad had an integrity, faithfulness and passion for God’s work, instilled in us a desire for God.
His life and ministry gave us a living example of what Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Always rejoice in the Lord . . .I have learned to be satisfied in any circumstance. I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-12).
So, How do I live for these, “True riches?”
1. Generosity
In Philippines Paul writes, “I mention this not because I’m requesting a gift, but so that the fruit of your generositymay bring you an abundant reward.” (17). He then writes, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (19).
2. Remain
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
3. Focus
What did the rich man see? The truth is my when my dad died, he did not have much in the way of this world’s wealth. But, he had something that this man envied. Keeping your eyes, heart and passion on the, “true riches” is not always easy. It’s like Peter walking on the water until he looked at the storming waves.
My dad and mom and my brother have all moved on to their eternal rewards. I’m sure they are enjoying greater riches than we can imagine.
So, Jeff Bezo, you are not the richest man around.
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Larry Neville – MondayMorning.club
Return to MondayMorning October 11
Quotes from: The Passion Translation Copyright © 2017 by BroadStreet Publishing New King James Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
New International Version Copyright © 1973 by Biblica, Inc. `