What does it mean to be ‘rich’? Our answer to that question probably depends on where we live and the culture we were raised in. For some people, being rich means owning a mansion, having millions saved up, or having enough money to retire at a young age and never needing to work again. For others it means having enough food for each day, a safe place to live, and the ability to provide for the family. For other people, it might be somewhere in between. But what if we defined being ‘rich’ as having enough to do God’s will? How would we live differently? Would we strive to earn promotions and pay rises? Would we spend our money on the same things we do now? God has a plan and purpose for our lives, and He’ll provide enough for us to be able to do it. It’s not wrong to have money, or to enjoy having it. In fact, in Ecclesiastes we’re told: ‘God gives some people the ability to enjoy the wealth and property he gives them’ (5:19 NCV). But it’s vital that we remember that our wealth is a blessing from God. David said of God: ‘Riches and honour come from you. You rule everything. You have the power and strength to make anyone great and strong’ (1 Chronicles 29:12 NCV). We need to focus less on the blessing, and more on the One who has blessed us. We also need to remember that, because of Jesus, we’re spiritually rich. The Bible says: ‘You know that Christ was rich, but for you he became poor so that by his becoming poor you might become rich’ (2 Corinthians 8:9 NCV). We have the Holy Spirit living inside us, we’re blessed with gifts and skills, and our real treasure will be in heaven.

What Now?

Spend some time thanking God for all the blessings He has given you – financial, relational, and spiritual.