Most people in the world are on a quest for physical wealth. "If I just had _____," they reason, "I would be happy." Amazingly, God has provided a way for every man to have incredible riches.
God addresses the sin of partiality and personal favoritism in James, Chapter 2. People were honoring the rich above the poor. But in this rebuke, God makes a statement that identifies the wealthiest people on earth.
Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? (James 2:5)
I'M RICH IF I HAVE FAITH!
Faith is dependence upon the One who is beyond us. Everything in the Christian life operates by this principle of trust. Followers of Christ struggle and falter in our faith at times. But it is essential to see why faith is so valuable: it is the connector to God! It turns our attention away from our meager abilities and causes us to look up to God in humility and say, "Lord, I need You," and "Lord, I believe that You can provide what is needed in this (and every) moment."
The man who walks in growing faith is the richest man on earth because faith has connected Him to inexhaustible wealth—all that God is and has! Do you have faith? You're rich!
I'M RICH IF I HAVE LOVE!
My friend told me about his relationship with his father, who had recently passed away. He and his dad were best friends. They had talked daily and loved each other deeply. Very few men have this kind of loving relationship with their dad, and they are wealthy beyond what the world can provide.
Many problems, insecurities, fears, and dysfunctions come if we do not have such a relationship—and a growing number of men do not.
But take this one step further: the wealthiest men are those who have that kind of loving relationship with the heavenly Father Himself. They know Him intimately, talk to Him constantly, and share the richest thoughts and experiences of life. There is no conversation they cannot have and no wisdom they cannot access.
Regardless of your relationship with your earthly father, anyone can have a rich relationship with God, who is a perfect, loving Father! It is a privilege to love Him and be loved by Him! If you have that relationship, you're rich!
I'M RICH IF I AM AN HEIR OF THE KINGDOM!
There are two parallel universes in existence: the kingdom of this world (which is passing away) and the kingdom of our God. Followers of Christ co-exist in both these worlds. They have access to the heavenly kingdom now, but they are also physically headed to God's Kingdom eternally. Christ has promised that all of His followers are "heirs and joint-heirs" with Him in His kingdom! What He has, we have. “Blessed are the meek (those who are willing to be governed by God),” Christ said, “For they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5, additional parenthesis added).
If a man had little but knew he was an heir to billions, he would be at peace. "Nothing to fear. I have everything I need!” he would say. It is foolish to worry about the passing trinkets of this life when we are the richest heirs in the world! All of heaven is at our disposal!
Look around you today—the humblest believer hast untold holdings. And if you know Christ, stop seeking the momentary wealth of this world. "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).
Father, thank You for providing everything for me. There is nothing I need beyond You. Give me the wisdom to see my position and rest in Your inexhaustible riches!
