Revelation 2:9a: “I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!”
The definition of rich is often tied to a big house, luxury car, money and abundant wealth. This is why many people, including believers, work hard to chase after this type of wealth. In this life, people tend to look at a person’s status based on their wealth. The definition of rich that is based on a person’s worldly possession and wealth is a shallow definition. Before God, true riches are not materialistic.
Apostle Paul once shared about a rich congregation, but he did not mean they were materially rich. He said in 2 Corinthians 8:1-2, “And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” And verse 7 says, “But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
So, we understand that the biblical definition of riches does not speak about worldly wealth. What we must have is the riches according to God. Not everyone who is materially rich is considered as rich before the Lord. Luke 12:21 says, “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Again, this verse clearly differentiates worldly wealth and the kind of riches before God.
As believers, our focus should be on gathering up Heavenly treasures. When our focus is on the Heavenly treasures, Matthew 6:33 says our needs will be fulfilled by the Lord. What do we need to gather so we can be rich before God? A few of them are generosity, faith, good deeds, love, and ministry. As long as we have the opportunity to give, let us diligently do good, give, love one another, have firm faith and be faithful in serving the Lord.
When we meet the Lord, we will be rewarded with the Heavenly treasures we have collected on earth. God bless.
Source: hs/Publishing Team IBC Church