We live in a world that constantly tempts us to want things. Our culture urges us that we need more, that our wants are really needs. It is easy for abundance to blind us to our need for God. Sometimes it is difficult to have plenty and still realize our need for Jesus. We are told that blessings come to the poor because desperate people keep hungering for God. It is easy for us to form a moral dichotomy that says wealth equates with separation from God, and poor people are more righteous. It is not wrong in itself to have abundance. It is a matter of perspective. If what we have is more important than our relationship and walk with Jesus, then it is a problem. Our collection of things can be destroyed or taken from us at any time. Our relationship with Jesus is there to sustain us whether we have it all or do not know what tomorrow will bring. We can sum it up by saying, “I would rather have nothing now and Jesus forever, instead of everything this world has to offer and miss out on Heaven with Him.”

Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:

Do I assume that wealthy people have a poor spiritual life?

Do I have a spiritual ledger that is as important to me as my bank statement?

Can I balance both?