Riches
We all remember the story of poor Lazarus, covered in sores, sitting at the door of a rich man's mansion whilst the rich man lived in luxury ignoring him.
The Bible is full of stories about rich people. On one occasion Jesus suggested that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter Heaven.
So what is Jesus actually saying here? Is it wrong to be ambitious, to work hard and become rich?
Of course not. There's nothing wrong with ambition and improving one's lot. In fact it is the duty of every Christian to work according to their ability and to progress as far as possible. It is only by having true Christians in positions of power and authority that we can improve this world.
Jesus is not against anyone becoming rich. What He is teaching is responsible wealth. With wealth we all have a responsibility towards those less fortunate and less able than ourselves. The rich man in the Lazarus story did not care that there was a starving person on his doorstep.
Do you?
© Copyright V Moubarak 2007