Our True Riches: A Divine Endowment
Ade Adebola, August 17, 2024
The pursuit of wealth has been a perennial human endeavor, driving societies to build, wage wars, and sacrifice lives on the altar of material prosperity. Yet, amidst this ceaseless pursuit, a profound spiritual truth emerges: our true riches come not from earthly accumulation but from a divine source – God, through Christ.
The Bible challenges the world’s materialistic worldview with verses that highlight the superiority of spiritual wealth. When we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we are instantly enriched with every spiritual blessing in Christ, often referred to as “the unfathomable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8). These blessings, though not monetary or material, are infinitely valuable.
Aspects of these divine riches include:
– Forgiveness and Redemption: Through Christ’s sacrifice, we receive forgiveness for our sins and redemption from death’s penalty (Ephesians 1:7).
– Adoption as Sons and Daughters: Believers become children of God, co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
– Eternal Life: Jesus promises everlasting life to those who believe in Him (John 3:36).
– Spiritual Gifts: We receive spiritual gifts for service within the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7).
– Access to God: We can approach God boldly through Christ (Ephesians 2:18).
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19-21). This passage underscores the ephemeral nature of earthly riches and the enduring value of heavenly treasures.
The apostle Paul, once a man of considerable worldly status, experienced a transformative encounter with Christ that radically altered his perspective on wealth. He wrote, “I have learned to be content with whatever I have… I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13). Paul’s contentment was derived from a deep-rooted trust in God’s provision, not material possessions.
In conclusion, true riches are not measured in gold or silver but in faith, hope, and love. They are found in the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, in the forgiveness of sins, and in the promise of eternal life. These are the riches that cannot be stolen, depleted, or destroyed – the riches that enrich the soul and bring lasting peace and joy. As we navigate modern life’s complexities, it is essential to remember this fundamental truth. By seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), we position ourselves to receive the true riches that matter most.
