Key Verses: Matthew 19:23-24 “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it it easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.””Everyone wants to be rich. Our American society teaches that all we need to be happy in life is riches. If we have more money we have more comfort, more pleasures, more material possessions, and America teaches us that this is the road to happiness. What our culture doesn’t tell us however, is the danger that riches pose. Here in the gospel of Matthew we catch a glimpse about the danger of riches. In these verses, Jesus tells us that it is hard for a rich man to enter heaven. What makes it so difficult? First of all people who are extremely wealthy have a sense of false security. This false security leads them to think that they don’t need anyone or anything else in life. They think that they can do everything and get whatever the want. Secondly, people who are extremely wealthy are never wealthy enough. They get consumed in their search more wealth. As a result they never take the tim they need to think about life after death and to truly study as to whether or not Christ is who He says. These are the main reasons why its hard for wealthy to be saved. However, in the following verses Jesus says that it is not impossible because with God all things are possible. Only God can help us see through the facade of riches. Only He can help someone understand that riches wont bring true contentment, or give them access to eternal life. Friends, it is time for us as Christians to stop pursuing wealth and instead spend more time pursuing Christ. The endless pursuit of wealth hinders are walk with Christ by taking our focus off of Him.
