Memory Text: Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. Prov.19:4

       It seems that no matter how many centuries pass, the poor are continually viewed as being deserving of their poverty, and those who are rich are viewed as deserving of their wealth, having the appearance of GOD'S blessings from heaven heaped upon them. Because they have the money they must have done something right. Right? Solomon addressed this principle, and it refutes this common notion: “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” Eccl.9:11. None chose to be born who they are, when they are, and what they are. In all of these things that are imposed on us without our choice, Jesus says, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” Jn.6:47.

       While these words of Jesus Christ are sweet to the souls of men, He has much to say about how we appreciate the gift of salvation and the commission to share with the world the message of eternal life and to share our means to provide life-support for those in need. None can claim to care for their fellow man and withhold what is available to bless others.

       Rarely do you hear from the pulpit the profound warnings of Jesus Christ against any and all men who hold to their riches. The Bible has much to say about the cruel indifference of the wealthy class of men to the needs of the poverty stricken. And yet, the ministers “go easy” on their members with wealth, because hey, there’s a buck or two in it for them. The flattery of the wealthy class of men only works to destroy both the flatterer and the receiver. And there are far too many ministers who live their lives in the lap of luxury, and who have the gall to take the tearfully given tithes and offerings, and taking that money to buy for themselves a $40,000 wristwatch, or fly in private jets, or spend ninety grand on a Mercedes, etc. Every day these liberties are taken by ministers with the false notion that if they show their wealth to others that this will show them that GOD prospers those who serve Him. But this is precisely what Satan tempted Christ with: "Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Matt.4:8-10. Great wealth is no evidence of godliness. Of a truth, this is among the most pathetic excuses for a professing Christian in light of the lives of Christ’s true disciples.

       Here we are in America today, the richest nation on earth, and we are so caught up in the politics and demands for money for this cause and that cause, where, as a result of this grotesque imbalance of the use of money, the course of America is to soon plummet to ruin, all because of greed and selfish favoritism. It is the mindset that lacks the common sense to see that only by working to give instead of take does life survive. Sacrifice sustains the planet. And the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the supreme example of this principle. This has always been the contrast between heaven’s government and that of men.

       And one of the leading perpetrators of crimes against the human race is the entertainment industry. Commercial music, movies and television have been a blight on the American character for decades, and a curse because it prevents any reforms of the many and obvious indiscretions of society.  Example: “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” was a very popular television show years ago. It led every viewer to become feverish for the possessions of others—to be covetous for what they do not possess and envious of others who hold such possessions in this world. The Bible’s wisest man, King Solomon was given every wealth that man could receive in this sinful world. He denied himself nothing! And at the end of his life’s journey he said that was all “vanity and vexation of spirit.” To look only for oneself and not to others needs leaves an empty soul, full of self-remorse as it is written: “So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.” Eccl.4:1

       As a result of everyone buying into this corrupt self-serving value system, it has proven to open the door for a host of other abuses. One that stands out is addressed by GOD through His prophet Isaiah: “As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.” Isa.3:12. The whole value system GOD ordained to provide for our mutual peace and happiness has been renounced by man following the age-old mindset that has caused misery throughout the history of the human race: “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”—The last words in the book of Judges.

Let’s view the texts that are rarely read from the churches of the rich let alone given the application of their intent.

“And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Lu.12:16-21

“And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” Mk.10:17-24

“And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.” Lu.21:1-4

       All the things that men lie for, cheat for, steal for, and murder for, the GOD of heaven has promised to lavish riches on the His faithful children that will make the palaces of Earth look like dog houses. And while our religion should never be based on fear of punishment or hope of reward, GOD has given precious insights into what is to come: “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you [in heaven]. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again [at the 2nd Advent], and receive you unto myself [“in the clouds”]; that where I am [with GOD the Father], there ye may be also.”