JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Wisdom from the Red Letters is found in Matthew 19:23 and 24.

Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again, I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

The lure of wealth can be lethal to our souls. Having wealth is not the problem. Loving our wealth becomes the problem. The rich young ruler turned away from Jesus’ invitation to follow Him, because his wealth had become an idol. First Timothy 6:17 offers wise counsel for the wealthy of this world. Here’s a paraphrase: Don’t be arrogant or put hope in wealth. Put your hope in God. Do good. Be rich in good deeds, and be generous and willing to share. Then you will have treasure for a firm foundation in the future.

The words of Jesus inspire us to love God more than our wealth in the Year of Redemption. 

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com