The Trap of Riches

In Mark 10:17-31, This is the account of the rich young ruler.  Here is a young man who as far as the world can see is one who has all his ducks in a row.  He is rich, handsome and moral.  He comes to Jesus and asks what he can do to inherit eternal life.  Jesus tells him to follow the law to which he replies and tells Jesus he has done since he was a child.  Then Jesus tells him to do one thing and that is to sell all he has and give it to the poor and follow Him.  The young man goes away sad because He cannot give up His money.  Such a sad story but one that is being repeating everyday.  The gospel is being preached to wealthy people and they are rejecting it because of their wealth.  Jesus said you cannot serve God and mammon.  Paul said that the love of money is the root of all evil.  Note I said the love of money is the root of all evil, not money itself.  Money is ammoral, which means in itself it is neither good or bad.  It is a thing but the motive behind it is evil.  When you place anything before God that thing or person is an idol.  It is where you go when you are in trouble.  As a Christian I go to the Lord.  He is my source, my life and future.  He is master not wealth.  Now not all wealthy people are controlled by wealth.  There are many fine Christian people who are wealthy but the money does not control them.  They control it and use it for the glory of God.  Their wealth is a by product of God's blessing.  They use it for His praise and glory.  Peter told Jesus in this passage that they had given up everything to follow Him to which Jesus replied, "Yes and when you do that you will receive a hundredfold blessing in this life and the next."  God's blessing is both spiritual and material.  The beautiful thing it is God who gives for His glory.