Being rich toward God, conclusion

We may be blessed with material wealth, or we may have the equivalent of the "widow's mites." But there is more to life than the pursuit of worldly wealth and possessions. Jesus tells us that our status in life or the quality of our life cannot be measured that way. Instead, it is measured by God, and our attitude toward Him and His blessings.

Let's dig in again!

We saw the problems of the rich fool. That wealthy farmer was blessed, but still consumed by greed. He also gave no gratitude to God, but was deluded into thinking that all his wealth was from his own accomplishments.

How can we be rich toward God?

We need to learn from the foolish farmer and do the opposite of what he did!

We are rich toward God when we give of our income to the things of God. This can be giving church offerings or donating portions of our finances to God-centered ministries. Another way to be rich toward God is to have an attitude of generosity to our loved ones, our friends, and the poor. The foolish farmer only planned to invest his money on himself; he had no other plans for his money.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (II Corinthians 9:7)

Another way to be rich toward God is to invest our time and our energies into the work of God's kingdom to teach and serve others. To help them in their daily lives. The rich farmer only wanted to retire and spend the rest of his days eating, drinking, and seeking pleasure -- instead of growing his relationship with the One Who blessed him, and instead of helping others who had less than he did.

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (II Corinthians 9:11)

We are indeed rich toward God when we use our earthly blessings to show how much we value God and want to follow in His steps. When we are more concerned with others than ourselves; the rich farmer used the word "I" six times in these few verses! He was only thinking of himself.

Lastly, we are rich toward God when we realize that our security is in God. He is our treasure and our riches. The rich and foolish farmer thought that his security for the rest of his years would be found in his wealth and business investments. He was wrong -- only God is our security, and without Him we are not rich.

Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)

In our daily lives, what are we seeking? What are we looking for, working for? Are we seeking the gifts instead of the Giver? Where do our priorities lie? Are we seeking to be rich toward ourselves, or are we seeking to be rich toward God?