Changi Chapel

Are you Dollar-rich or God-rich?

In Luke 12:21, Jesus said “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God”. Another translation says “…but not have a rich relationship with God.”(NLT)

So what does it mean to be rich toward God? What is the advantage of being rich? What distinguishes a rich person?

A rich person is one who can use his wealth to do what he pleases. He can use money to control and manage his circumstances, as much as possible.

So what is it to be rich towards God? What advantage does someone have who is rich toward God? Let us examine the scripture and study the lives of those who were rich in God.

1. Abraham is a prime example of someone who was “rich towards God”. He believed God and left the comforts of his home town Haren and went in obedience to God “not knowing where he was going” (Heb 11:8).

Those who are rich in God will not hesitate to obey God, even when it does not make sense to human reasoning. Abraham knew what God promised, He will make it happen. And God did not disappoint Abraham.

We can see how Abraham was “rich towards God” when he did not hesitate to sacrifice his only son Isaac, when God asked him to. Those who are rich in God will never hesitate to give up anything God wants from them.

2. David was rich in God from the days of his youth. That is why when Goliath challenged the children of Israel, young David responded with indignation. He was surprised that no one was willing to take on the giant Goliath who was cursing the God of Israel.

And David put his life on the line and went against Goliath, because he was “rich towards God”. He knew the risk he was taking but he also knew that God will not fail him.

Those who are “rich toward God” will not easily be overwhelmed by the obstacles they face or the threat of the enemy. Being “rich towards God” makes a person fearless, bold and daring, whenever they have to engage with satanic opposition.

3. In Acts 3:6, we see Peter and John answer the lame man who was begging for alms, ” “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”. Being “rich towards God” gives you a power that “silver and gold” does not have.

When we are “rich towards God” we have an authority and power that is beyond what money can accomplish. In the name of Jesus we can do what money will not be able to achieve.

So what will you chose today? Being dollar-rich or God-rich?