Live to Live Again

“Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”” ‭‭James‬ ‭2:5-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In the "Sermon on the Mount" Jesus said this: ““God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Being poor isn't our identity, it is a condition of the fallen world. Sin brought the struggle of "trying to make it" into our lives (see Genesis 3:8-19). God made us, originally (before Adam and Eve sinned), to have dominion (see Genesis 1:26-28). We were made to thrive, not just survive. However, until Christ returns, we will be subjected to the aging of our bodies, the day to day struggle to earn the wages necessary to pay the bills, and even experience pain and sorrow. Yes, wealth is known by some, but not by most. Our desire to get "more money" is a part of our fallen nature. Sinful humanity has the misconception that money is the "fix all" of our struggles. Money isn't sinful. Money is inanimate, it cannot sin. The problem is the person who wants, or has, the money. "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The depraved condition of man, and  how he handles money, is the issue. God wants us to know that He is our Jehovah Jireh (the Lord who provides). He made us, He has redeemed us, He has sustained us, and He will deliver us from this sin cursed world we now live in. We aren't home yet children of God. Let's not get caught up in what we can't keep. Let's live for what we cannot lose. Let's learn to seek the One who made us instead of the "stuff" of a world that is perishing. Sure, I too, enjoy the conveniences, delicacies, beauty, and nice things of this life, but my identity and destiny is locked up in Jesus Christ. I live to live again. The eternal life we were made for will unveil the riches of the children of God. "Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:18-19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ So enjoy the blessings of God each day, regardless of your financial status in this life. If we are His children, our home  awaits us on the other side. This current life cannot hold a candle to what lies ahead. Bottom line: rich or poor, let us live for Jesus Christ and treat one another the same, whether rich or poor.