A Christian family of modest means enjoyed a nice Christmas day with good food and gifts for everyone. Their young son surveyed everything and asked, “Dad, are we rich?” That’s not an easy question to answer, for what really is wealth? Having lots of possessions doesn’t guarantee happiness and the physically rich may not be rich at all. The life of a well-known television celebrity illustrates this truth, for her wealth spoiled her son and caused a family disaster. The other side of our question about wealth is not plain to see, for a poor man may feel rich because of the great spiritual things God has given him. James confirmed this when he said, “But let the brother of humble circumstances glory in his high position” (Jas.1:9). With such thoughts flashing through his mind, the young boy’s father answered, “Yes, we are rich, but not just because of the nice gifts you got for Christmas.”
If there is any doubt about spiritual riches, read the following verses:
- Rom.2:4 – “Or do you think lightly of the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience?”
- Eph.1:7-8 – “The riches of his grace which he lavished upon us.”
- Eph.1:18 – “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know…what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.”
- Eph.2:6-7 – “In order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”
- Eph.3:8 – “The unfathomable riches of Christ.”
- Col.2:2 – “And attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Are we rich? Now you know what to say, should somebody ask.
– Tim Johnson