One of the things that has been paralyzing me during this journey to becoming a writer is the idea of earning great wealth from my work. If I should be blessed enough to write a bestseller, will the money I earn preclude me from living my life in accordance with God’s plan? The Bible says a few none to flattering things about wealth that have have me quite confused.
Mass a couple weekends ago put these worries I’ve been having front and center so now’s the time to acknowledge the 400 lb. gorilla sitting in the corner and hit this issue head on. Let’s dig into Matthew 19:24 and try to make sense of what it’s really saying, with the help of some others who’ve done the same.
“Again I say to 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.”
So the camel passing through the eye of a needle part makes sense. It’s a popular metaphor from that time and that part of the world. Should I be taking “a rich man” literally, though? Surely it’s some type of expression with a deeper meaning. Could God really mean rich people are hard pressed to enter heaven?
What About This Rich Man?
Turns out the “rich man” isn’t a literal rich man. The young ruler referred to in Matthew 19 is someone who had many possessions and was saddened when Jesus told him to sell them all and give the proceeds to the poor. Who held the greater influence over this man, our Savior or material things? We know Jesus Christ is someone who is not of this world. God sent him to live among us and teach us but his divinity is clear. On the other hand, the young ruler’s possessions are very much of this world. Perhaps the “rich man” is a metaphor for worshipping the things of this world instead of the one who redeemed us.
Reminds me of another scripture verse – one about money being the root of all evil. I mistakenly referred to money that way on purpose. Many folks have gotten this one wrong. Here’s what the scripture really reads.
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. – 1 Timothy 6:10
I think we’re onto something here. Some folks who’ve longed for money have wandered away from faith. Our young friend may keep the commandments and make every effort to leave a faithful life, yet his attachment to his possessions keeps him from taking that all-important next step.
Later on, in 2 Timothy, the subject of the world versus the faith comes up yet again. Here’s a bit from 2 Timothy 4:10, “Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world.” Even without the details it’s obvious there’s a theme here. Loving the world separates us from Christ, while loving Christ and following His call is the path to eternal life.
Deacon Mike Bickerstaff sums this theme up nicely in his post, “What’s in Your Heart?” Here’s an excerpt below…
“Authenticity is living in a way that backs up our intention of being who God intended us to be. Possessing worldly riches do not preclude living an authentic life according to God’s Will. But, apparently this young man loved his worldly riches too much to allow God fully into his heart. Jesus counseled him to give these perishable treasures away to make room for the treasure of heaven that never perishes.”
You Knew Me When I Wrote for Free
So there’s hope for this future bestselling author after all. That’s comforting. Matthew 19:26 tells us the following, “…With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Barnes Notes on the Bible comments that the rich man is someone who “loves his riches and makes and idol of them, or one who supremely desires to be rich.” At one time, that was who I desired to be.
When I was studying the “Law of Attraction” I used to create photo collages of the house I’d own, the cars I’d drive and the lifestyle I’d lead. I was focused on the stuff and not the value I created to earn the stuff. I’m humbled to say I’ve learned my lesson. I now understand that it’s simply my calling to provide value by evangelizing through my witness. It will be God’s role to determine what gifts, if any, that earns me here on Earth. If wealth comes, I will know it’s coming directly from God and there will be no fear of it or attachment to it.
God bless,
Question: Have you ever feared your financial success was pulling you away from Christ? I’d love to read your story in the form of a comment below…
