Why wealth ain’t worth it

Wealth is a powerful thing.

It’s intoxicating and attractive, it makes one feel like they have the power to steer and influence their existence.

But as the countless lives ruined by the pursuit of money will show you, it’s not the wealth that serves you, it’s you who serves the wealth.

Jesus is Wealth

Why did the rich young man turn away from Jesus?

Because he already had a lord in his life, his money.

Yes, despite all the young man’s piety and moral goodness, his worth and security were found in his wealth.

And so, he didn't need Jesus.

All who possess considerable wealth run the same risk.

We’ve talked about it before, but Jesus asks us all to reorient our entire lives around Him.

This means that He becomes the highest value, nothing else - not relationships, not wealth, nothing.

Due to the security he put in his vast amount of wealth, the rich young man was unable to accept this.

The Dangers of Wealth

I don’t think Jesus was so much against wealth as He was against how easily it could become an idol.

It’s certainly possible to be a wealthy follower of Jesus, but I’d wager that it’s not easy.

I’d go as far as to say that having more wealth than you need is not worth the trouble it invites.

Not unless you, like Zaccheus (Luke 19v1-10), are prepared to invest that wealth in ways that benefit God’s Kingdom.

This is why Jesus’ words to the rich young man have been so unpopular and reinterpreted by the rich throughout history.

Wealth is to be subordinated under life with Jesus. We don’t live for wealth, we don’t find security in wealth, we don’t need wealth.

And, yet, wealth has a funny way of causing us to believe the opposite. 

Case in point: the rich young man.

And that’s what makes Jesus’ words so haunting but all the more sobering.

With Him, it’s all or nothing.

See you tomorrow.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

Theophilus Newsletter