Riches Hinder Us

-April 23, 2025-

Good morning beloved, happy Wednesday,

“But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.”

(Luke 18:23).

The rich young ruler came to Jesus seeking eternal life. He had so much in this world’s goods, yet was so poor in God’s. He asked the question, “…What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus tested him by saying keep the commandments, and names several of them.

He responded, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” Jesus was trying to show him no one can keep the law perfectly. We are all sinners in need of a Savior. Jesus point His finger on this man’s issue: he was trusting in his riches. It was like a weight he carried around his neck.

Riches have kept many people from Christ down through the centuries. In Luke 18:22 Jesus told him, “one thing you still lack, sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and will have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me.” Jesus was not saying there is anything we can do or give to be saved, but there are certain sins that keep us from salvation.

This young man’s countenance fell and became very sorrowful for he was rich and unwilling to give it up. Jesus said in Matthew 5:24, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God or mammon (money).”

One of the soils that the seed of the of the gospel fell among the thorns, and the cares of this world and deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful (See Matthew 13:22).

As believers we must be on guard against anything that would keep us from walking closely with Christ. It may be about making money and hoarding for ourselves or any other hindrance that we cling to.

Have a blessed day laying up treasure in heaven not on this earth. Stay safe and healthy.

The root of all evil is the love of money and it has shipwrecked many a soul.

Dean