Rich Man~Poor Man

"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."
Mark 10:25


Often times the word of God is taken out of context to benefit an argument that is not in line with what is being said in the bible.  The words of Jesus used as a political football. We as people are drawn to Jesus because he was and is revolutionary in his love for us.  People on the right take his words to beat others over the head with sin and people on the left take his words to wag in the faces of those who do not follow their belief system.  One side holds Him up saying, "This is how you are supposed to be!" and the other side says, "This is how you are supposed to be!" Both saying the same thing, both worlds apart, just how the devil wants us to be.


If you are interested in the truth in it's context you can find it in Mark 10:17-31.  Another example of Jesus forgiving a rich man is that of Zacchaeus in Luke chapter 19.  A very rich chief tax collector who repents for taking more than what is owed to him.  Jesus forgives him after he gives back four times what he had wrongfully taken.  He was not a sinner for being rich because Jesus proclaimed him to have salvation after giving back only half of his wealth.  It was the change of heart that Jesus was looking for.


Rich Man in wealth: can have all the world has to offer and fall short into spiritual poverty by not seeking God.


Poor Man in wealth: can have nothing the world has to offer but be wealthy beyond imagination spiritually, which can only be achieved by seeking God in all things.


Rich Man in Spirit: does not need anything in the world because God is supplying everything he needs by grace.


Poor Man in Spirit: May or may not have worldly wealth and without God's grace can feel alone and bitter and jealous.  People with earthly wealth are not the only ones who can fall victim to greed.


The point being, God can make the impossible possible.  Not to mention there will be no need for commerce in Heaven.  We can only go there after being stripped of all earthly things.
"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


It's not the money itself that is evil it is the love of money.  It's not about how much money you or your neighbor do or do not have. It's about where your heart is.  If you love money your heart will cause you to be jealous of what someone else has.  If your heart is with Jesus you will not only be happy with what you have but also happy for what others have for themselves.


Wealth is a relative term.  Someone who is financially poor in this country is most likely wealthier than those in less developed countries.
If you are making $25,000 in this country, compared to the rest of the world you are in the top 10%.  Does this make you wealthy?  Granted we have a higher cost of living, but we also have a higher standard of living.  What is acceptable in the eyes of the Lord?  


He wants your heart, your mind, your body and your soul.
Whether you are rich in wealth or spirit or both.
Whether you are poor in spirit or wealth or both.


To God it is irrelevant how much money we make or how comfortable we are.  He wants us to be able to seek Him in all things and have a relationship with Him.  No matter how awkward it might seem.


"You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself."
Luke 10:27






Calculator used to determine global wealth standings:
globalrichlist.com