Part 2 in our "Deeper Toward God" Series
We are called to lessen the chasm between the known rich and the known poor. We may not think of ourselves as rich, but we are significantly richer than much of the world. And Jesus does not paint the picture of the rich man being rude or evil. Jesus paints the picture, in Luke 16:19-31, of a rich man who simply does not see the poor person at his gate.
First, do not be content to live merely in your own secluded and privileged world; get out there and make a difference in any way you can. Make someone else smile. Make someone else feel loved. Second, put your focus on God and not on the uncertainly of worldly riches: As Paul reminded Timothy, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:10-11). And third, let God into your world so that you know you are spreading the love of God and not merely your own message. Let God not only be your focus, but your refuge as well.
