If you go on Instagram, you can follow some of the wealthiest people in the world in their adventures around the world. You will see designer clothes, lavish parties, and exotic locations. It is easy to become envious of what they have but be careful of that trap. While they may have everything that money can buy they are missing the one thing that will save their life, Jesus Christ. The wealthiest person in history left all of his wealth to become poor for our sake.
2 Corinthians 8:9
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”
Consumed with Wealth
The Corinthians were consumed with wealth, and it’s easy to understand why Corinth was a very prosperous seaport where a lot of trade went on. Many of the citizens were very wealthy. Paul reminds them that Jesus Christ gave up all of his wealth and privilege to become poor so that we might become rich in spirit. Imagine the wealthiest person giving it all up to come and serve you. It is almost unfathomable. Paul wanted the Corinthians to take their focus off the pursuit and trappings of money and pursue Jesus.
Root of All Evil
The love of money is the root of all evil (1 Tim 6:10). It is a trap that is difficult to get out of once we are caught in its grip. The love of money is a desire that is never satisfied. Once you obtain what you were striving for you, start to desire something else. Wishing to be wealthy is a hole that can never be filled. Put that to death and allow the grace of Jesus Christ to cover you.
Rich in Grace
When it comes to spiritual things, all of us are in poverty without the grace of Jesus. We are incapable of saving ourselves or even removing one of our sins. That makes us miserable and destitute, but because of the atoning work on the cross, we can become rich in grace. When we give everything up to follow Christ, we let go of those desires and habits that hold us down. If we don’t relinquish the love of money, it will bring us down. If you struggle with this go to God and ask him to forgive that spirit of greed. Then begin the path to repentance by forsaking all of those habits and thoughts that led you there in the first place. As you become free of this, you will discover a new life in Christ you never knew existed.