On the Rich List?

 

It’s that time of year when The Sunday Times publishes it’s annual Rich List. Maybe you’ve been checking it out to make sure you are on its list of Richest People on Screen, Richest People in Fashion, or what have you. Maybe not. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with people being wealthy. Especially if their riches are hard earned and put to good use. But it’s difficult for those of us who are unlikely ever to trouble a Times Rich List to avoid just a twinge of envy.

The Christian faith doesn’t make a virtue of poverty, but the Bible warns us not to trust in uncertain riches.  It encourages those who believe to be contented with their lot and generous towards others. Turning conventional wisdom on its head Jesus said that it is ‘more blessed to give than to receive’.  He spoke of the folly of those who lay up treasure for themselves, but are not rich towards God.

C. T. Studd was involved in the original Ashes cricket match  against Australia. As a child of wealth and Cambridge graduate, Studd had the world at his feet. But he gave away his inheritance and became a missionary in China. His life’s motto was, "If Jesus Christ is God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him." That’s what it means to be ‘rich towards God’. Are you on that Rich List?

* From June's News & Views, West Lavington Parish Magazine.