Appearance & Reality > The Lord Jesus Christ > Truly rich
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MESSAGE: AR150
Preached: 13 Nov 94 ▪ Edited: 29 Oct 10
Introduction | Continuation on practical outworking in our attitude towards material wealth | Outward expressions should flow forth from inward reality | Practical outworking affects overall growth | There is a place to share, raise issues and discuss in a spirit of love | Conclusion
In the last message, we discussed the relationship between material wealth and discipleship and the implications for our eternal destiny. The Lord Jesus often talked about this issue to His disciples. He warns us not to lay up treasures for ourselves on earth and exhorts us to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven.
We reflected on the pronouncement of the Lord Jesus in Luke 14:33 that “…none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions”.
While this does not mean that a disciple has to give up legal ownership of everything, it does mean he must no longer regard whatever he has as his own, to do as he pleases. Everything he has is consecrated to the Lord, as part of a life fully consecrated to God. As disciples, we are to be good stewards of all that the Lord entrusts to us, whether plenty or little. It is important for us to reflect on whether we are in reality living our lives with this kind of attitude and spirit.
We considered three points in the practical outworking of this area of material wealth: careful spending on ourselves, genuine willingness in our hearts to give as God guides, and thoughtful giving.
Today’s message is a continuation on this subject. But before I go on to the fourth point, I would like to share some thoughts on how material riches can be likened to fire.
Fire can and ought to be put to good use. It has many constructive purposes. But it can also become harmful and destructive. If it comes too near to us, we can be severely burnt. It can even be fatal. In the same way, material wealth or riches can and ought to be put to constructive uses. But it is also associated with many harmful, destructive purposes, and can become very damaging to our lives.
We can make use of material wealth. But while doing so, we need to keep a detached distance from it. We must not let it come near our heart. Paul warns us: “the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil”. Do not fall in love with it, do not embrace it, or we will be burnt.
Someone made a remark that Ahab sold himself for a vineyard, Judas for thirty pieces of silver, Gehazi for two talents of silver and two changes of clothes. Are you for sale? The evil one is waiting to buy. And he is willing to pay a high price for the destruction of our souls.
I will proceed with the fourth point on practical outworking.
There is a place for consideration and planning for the future and future needs for ourselves and our loved ones, and other areas, which in our understanding, the Lord desires us to bear in mind.
It is not always best to live from day to day without any idea where our needs for the next day or next year will come from, though there is a place for this kind of living.
The Lord may lead us through times when we do not have sufficient for the near future and we do not know where or when we may obtain provision for our needs. A life of faith can include the Lord leading us, desiring us to learn to trust Him day by day for His provision. There are those whom the Lord desires to trust Him in this way for long periods of time.
But it does not mean that a life of faith must always be this way. There is a place for us to consider and plan for the future for ourselves and for our loved ones. A failure to do so can at times be a reflection of lack of care or irresponsibility. We may be lazy and careless with our lives and may not be taking the necessary steps to ensure we and our loved ones are adequately provided for.
The excellent wife
Let’s reflect on the excellent wife described in Proverbs 31. This passage is very helpful, not only for wives, but for all women – and men as well.
Proverbs 31:10-31
10 An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
14 She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15 She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
18 She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
26 She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29 “Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.
Verse 10 introduces this excellent wife. We see a commendable wife. She is a woman who fears the Lord. Her husband trusts her for she does him good and not evil. She takes good care of her household and extends her hand to the poor. She is not idle but works very hard.
The excellent woman considers a field and buys it. She plants a vineyard with her earnings. She sells garments and belts. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.
In the context, it is quite clear the way she approaches her responsibilities is meaningful and appropriate. She gives proper thought for the future and plans for it. She does not just consider whether there is sufficient for the day.
While it is important to plan for the future as part of our responsibility in living well before the Lord, we should remember not to do so by simply relying on our own abilities.
Laying aside for various needs
Besides providing for our future needs and those of our family, it is also proper to make provision for the needs of other believers. Paul encouraged believers to do so in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also.
2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.
There is a place to lay aside for various needs, whether for ourselves, for others or for the Lord’s work. How it is done, however, may vary with different people. Some may, for example, find it relevant in their context to take up insurance policies, while others may not regard it, in theirs, as necessary.
Importance of faith
However, when we plan for the future, we must bear in mind the place of faith and trusting in the Lord for His provision. We must never base our security on material things or on what we have set aside.
We must not feel insecure just because we have not laid aside or are not able to lay aside for all contingencies or make provision for all future needs.
Many believers may have difficulty trusting God for His provision. But they may not be aware of it, especially when they have plenty. They may think their security is in God. However, when they are tested, for example, when they lose their jobs and are unable to find employment for some time, they may become troubled and anxious and feel very insecure.
Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness
The Lord Jesus teaches us very clearly to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and “all these things” will be added to us (Matt. 6:33). Let us briefly look at this verse in its context to appreciate its relevance to us.
The Lord Jesus in verse 25 tells us not to be anxious for our lives – as to what we shall eat, drink or put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing? Look at the birds of the air – how our heavenly Father feeds them. And we are worth much more than they (v. 26). He tells us to observe how the lilies of the field grow.
Matthew 6:30
“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!
The Lord encourages us to trust Him. Verse 33 tells us:
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you”.
We can properly trust God to provide for our needs if we have the spirit and attitude of “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”.
Many believers say they are trusting God, but their expressions of faith may not be true faith. If we are preoccupied with self-centred desires and the things of the world, our faith would be misplaced faith.
If, however, we fulfil our part, if our hearts are properly focused, if we sincerely seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we can properly trust God to undertake for our lives and to provide for us according to His perfect wisdom. It does not mean that we will not go through difficulties. It does not mean that we will have plenty materially. God does not want us to be distracted, to be anxious in this area of material needs. He wants us to concentrate on His kingdom, on His righteousness, and trust Him to provide for us as He sees fit.
For many of us, having a suitable job can be part of the Lord’s will for us. For some, the Lord may guide in such a way where we may not know what the future may hold, how our material needs are going to be met. At the heart of it is learning to seek the Lord, know His will for us, concentrate on His kingdom and trust Him for His provision, whatever the future may be.
So let us make sure we concentrate on the Lord and His kingdom continually. Our personal material needs and those of our loved ones should not become a preoccupation or distraction or source of anxiety. Be responsible, but do not be anxious.
Those of us who live in affluent countries may at times be dissatisfied with what we have when we compare ourselves with those around us. We may feel that what we have is inadequate. However, if we have what we have and are living in less developed countries where many lack the basic necessities, we may not feel that way. Let us seek to have a lifestyle that is pleasing to the Lord and not compare unhealthily with the lifestyle of others.
A related point is the place for making wise investments. This may be relevant for some although it may not be so for all of us. We should not think that this area is not appropriate for those who really trust God and are committed to Him. Wise investments can be part of our expression of good stewardship of what the Lord entrusts to us. Wise stewardship can involve wise investments.
The excellent wife described in Proverbs 31 considers a field, buys it and from her earnings she plants a vineyard. Reflected here is the principle of investment. She invests in this field for future gains.
Dangers and the need for vigilance
However, in the area of investment, we need to be vigilant, because it can very easily become a snare and a stumbling block for us. It can stir within us a greedy desire to have more and more.
Investments can easily become a distraction and can cause us to diminish our concentration on the kingdom of God. It can also easily take up too much time, and too much of our energy, resulting in our being entangled in it.
It can also hinder us from responding to genuine needs, because our resources are “tied up”. We are not able to respond freely to the Lord when we recognise the Lord wants us to contribute to certain areas.
We must also not get involved in speculation and gambling. This can take place in many different forms. An example would be speculating in the stock market – watching the stock market constantly, buying and selling with a view to making a quick and easy profit.
Speculation and gambling can cause severe losses as well as other serious problems for us and our family. Even if we often make a profit, it is still wrong to be speculating in the stock market. This is not true investment.
Acquiring more wealth for our own selfish desires and purposes is obviously wrong. Even if the wealth acquired is intended for the Lord’s work, it is not always good or right.
How we acquire wealth is important to the Lord
The Lord is very concerned about our whole approach to life, to things, to issues. So how we acquire wealth is important to the Lord. If the way we acquire wealth is not meaningful to the Lord, He will be displeased with us even if the wealth acquired is intended for the Lord's work.
Even if we have good intentions and use legitimate means to acquire wealth, the Lord may still be displeased with us if, in the process, we become distracted and lose our concentration on the kingdom of God, neglecting our time with Him and time with other people.
Each one of us should prayerfully ask the Lord to help us understand the reality within our hearts in relation to this area, and in what way we need to change our attitude and ways.
Although we are now considering the practical aspects, let us realise that we cannot just attend to the outward expressions. We must first attend to the realities within our hearts.
If we just concentrate on the outward expressions, many different kinds of problems will arise. Apart from the fact that God will be displeased if our attitudes are not right, there can also be a sense of conflict, confusion and frustration.
For example, if we try to conform to expectations of others, or to express our faith in the way others do, without the corresponding reality within us, it can lead to our feeling frustrated. There will not be a true sense of freedom and joy which ought to accompany our expressions of love for God.
When we love the Lord and are seeking to express it in practical ways, there should be a deep sense of freedom in the Lord. The outward expressions should flow forth from the realities within. If we do not first attend to the realities within us, but try instead to concentrate on conforming to outward expressions, it can give us a false sense of spirituality. Our conduct may just be an outward show.
Although our lives should not be merely an outward show, we need to pay attention to how our outward expressions may affect others. Let us look at two verses in Romans 14.
Romans 14:12-13
12 So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.
13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.
Our primary concentration should be living our lives before the Lord, with the recognition that we have to give an account to Him. We have to be good stewards of all that He has entrusted to us.
At the same time, as our lives may affect others, we ought to be careful not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in our brother’s way.
The point I want to emphasise is that the outward expressions, basically, should be a manifestation of the realities within our hearts, which we should seek to correct if they are not right. We should seek to nurture the realities, so that increasingly, there may be that quality of the spirit of discipleship. However, we should also exercise care not to stumble others unnecessarily.
It is important that each one of us prayerfully work out according to what is meaningful and appropriate in our own context, according to what we understand the Lord desires of us, and according to our stage of development. Our contexts are not the same, neither is our level of development. There are various principles that do apply to all of us, that is true. For example, the principle of stewardship and learning how to trust God. But even in the area of trusting God, we have to be mindful that we do not all have the same degree of faith. So differences in outward expressions would be in order.
Let us look at verses 22 and 5 in Romans 14 for this important principle:
Romans 14:22
The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
Note: “the faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God”.
Romans 14:5
One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.
Note: “each person must be fully convinced in his own mind”.
These verses tell us we should learn to live our lives according to what we have come to recognise and understand, according to our convictions, our understanding of what is appropriate and suitable in our context. This is important so that we can work out with meaning and conviction and in fellowship with the Lord. How we work out similar principles may vary according to individual contexts.
Some may find it meaningful to trust the Lord for their material needs without laying aside for such personal needs. At different times in their lives, what they own may vary substantially. At times, they have relatively more, not because of their lack of faith, but due to other considerations. At other times, they are quite comfortable owning hardly anything.
But we must not try to live out “a life of faith” at an unrealistic level, beyond what we can do so meaningfully. We must not try to imitate others. It may be appropriate for them, but may be unrealistic for us. If we do so, we may be troubled and anxious because we do not have that kind of faith and conviction to live in that way.
In a moment of enthusiasm, we may give away all that we have and for a period of time, we may be quite happy. Subsequently, we may become shaken or even disillusioned and bitter when we begin to feel deprived or when we have difficulty making ends meet. Our faith is not of the level that can see us through the difficulties meaningfully. This can be aggravated when we see others having plenty and we may start to blame others for our pitiful state. But if we are truly living according to our convictions, it should not be this way. Others may discuss with us, share with us and encourage us, but ultimately we should live according to what we have come to understand and are convicted of. We can then do so with joy, with meaning, trusting the Lord in a meaningful way. There is no place for us to blame anyone whatever the outcome; we have freely chosen to live that way because we believe in it.
However, it is not good for us to live our lives at a low level. The approach we adopt and the practical outworking in this area of material things should not reflect little faith in God or our being gripped by material things.
“Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves” (Rom. 14:22). We must make sure what we approve for our own life, how we seek to order it and live it out, is pleasing to the Lord. We must not end up being condemned.
So, do not aim for something which you cannot meaningfully live out and then become bitter. At the same time, do not aim to live in a way that expresses weak faith in God. Learn to trust God, seek to nurture the right spirit, and increasingly aim for a higher and higher level of faith in the Lord.
It is also very important that we are not judgemental or rash in the way we view others who are not conforming to our practices or our expectations.
Yes, there is a place for us to be concerned for others. We should not be oblivious to what goes on in the lives of our brethren whom we love. We may, in fellowship, share, discuss and interact with them. But do not be too quick to judge them and their practices without a sufficient understanding of their contexts.
We need to beware of being legalistic in our own lives as well as in our expectations of others. The Lord wants us to live with a meaningful sense of freedom and joy, as we trust Him, as we live in fellowship with Him. We should beware of emphasis on strict conformance to certain outward expressions, rules and regulations. Our emphasis should be on principles, convictions, and inward reality.
We should also be careful about inflexibility, which hinders the freedom of the believer to prayerfully consider before the Lord the appropriate practical expressions in the varying situations and contexts of life.
For example, it may not be helpful to insist that believers ought not spend beyond a certain amount for clothes or shoes or that those who love the Lord ought not eat at restaurants. Good stewardship does not mean always buying cheaper things – which may wear out or spoil easily or may not function well. Of course, expensive things are not always better either.
Instead of rigid rules, there can be some guidelines with accompanying reasons for them. With the general principle that we should not be extravagant and it is not helpful to spend too much on clothes and food, we can have some flexibility for varying situations in life. We can consider before the Lord the reasonable thing to do in any particular context.
Practical outworking in this area can help us to understand what is within us. It can help to reinforce positive attitudes and qualities and also deepen them. If we are careless in the practical aspects, we will find that the inward realities will also degenerate.
We cannot have meaningful realities within if we are careless in practical expressions. Our concentration should be to nurture right attitudes within and the spirit of true discipleship, but we do also need to bear in mind the practical outworking.
We should note that not every area of our lives is growing and developing at the same rate. Whatever level of maturity we are at, there will be some aspects in our lives that are growing well and some that are deficient. Not all aspects are equally healthy.
For some of us, our development and practical expressions in this area of material wealth and stewardship may not correspond to our development in other areas or to our overall growth. We may need to pay more attention to this area so that we can fare better. As we do so, it would contribute to our overall development because deficiency in this area would hinder overall growth.
It is easy for the evil one to take advantage of our weakness in this area and cause us to stumble and be ensnared.
Let us prayerfully evaluate before the Lord our attitudes and outworking in this area. Have we neglected developing this area? Is it feasible for us to work at it so that we fare better?
While it is important not to pressure others to conform to our convictions or expectations, we must not have the attitude that what I do with my life is my own business and others should not interfere.
As fellow-believers in the body of Christ, the Lord wants us to learn and grow together and we should be concerned for the growth and development of one another. There is a place to share, raise issues and discuss in a spirit of love. To be constructive, we should also always bear in mind the feelings and state of our brethren. Be prayerful about what is appropriate, and when and how to express love and concern.
Sometimes we may expect others to show their love and concern in a certain way. When they do not do so, we may feel neglected and become upset because we feel they do not really care. Yet when the brethren are truly concerned for us and try to help us fare better, we may be resentful and regard them as interfering with our lives. Such feelings are manifestations of self-centredness, an unhealthy spirit, and are deviations from healthy fellowship in the Lord and in the truth. We should be appreciative when others raise issues out of concern for us. We should consider them prayerfully before the Lord and then form our own convictions.
Let us reflect over these things so that we can adopt a healthy posture. Yes, we want to live our lives according to our convictions, and we do not want others to impose on us. But remember there is a place for the brethren to encourage one another in the direction of truth. Proper expressions of love and concern should not be quickly brushed aside or rejected as improper interference with our lives, especially when expressed by those who love and care for us and are careful and prayerful in their approach.
Let us take heed. It is easy to falter in the area of material wealth. The Lord Jesus has warned us again and again. He has narrated several parables to warn us not to lay up for ourselves treasures upon earth, but to lay up treasures in heaven, not to be anxious about the material things of life but to concentrate on seeking first the kingdom of God. Let us take care lest we are materially rich but spiritually poor in the eyes of the Lord.
It is easy to rationalise wrongful desires and ways, clothing it with good-sounding reasons. It is tempting to say: “Oh, in my context, it is appropriate to live this way; for others it is not, but for me it is. None of you can understand; only God understands my situation, and it is proper for me to live this way.” But we are actually rationalising our wrongful desires and ways. Be careful! We do so to our own detriment and our own spiritual poverty. Even if we convince all others, of what use is it if we have been self-indulgent, and the Lord is displeased?
Benjamin Franklin once remarked, “Who is rich?” And he answered, “He that is content.” And then he asked again, “Who is that?” And he answered, “Nobody.”
The one who is rich is the one who knows how to be content. But who is content? “Nobody”. In the world, very few people are content. No matter how much they have, they still want more. Pursuit after material riches and lack of contentment are very common problems indeed.
But it is possible for believers to learn true contentment in the Lord, which is a characteristic of a healthy walk with God. We can be content in the Lord in a healthy way; it is not being lazy or irresponsible.
Let us not think that to have a lot materially is always advantageous. Of course, if the Lord entrusts much to us, we should not run away from the responsibility given to us, but seek to discharge it well. Those who are in such contexts must exercise care not to be ensnared by the material wealth or in any way to abuse it.
From a Christian perspective, having material wealth involves responsibility. That is why we have spent some time to consider this issue of stewardship. To be good stewards of what we have is not easy.
In this regard, let us reflect on these words of Matthew Henry:
“There is a burden of care in getting riches:
fear in keeping them;
temptation in using them;
guilt in abusing them;
sorrow in losing them;
and a burden of account at last to be given concerning them."
When we have riches, there is a temptation to use them improperly for ourselves; and when we abuse them, we may feel guilty. When we have been unwise in our use of them and as they dissipate, there is sorrow. And finally there is this burden of having to give an account to the Lord of how we have used them.
However, let us not view material things just from a negative point of view. There is a positive dimension. Material things can be put to good use for our own lives, for our loved ones, and for the Lord’s work.
A very important issue is the spirit of true discipleship, which we must nurture so that we are not gripped by these things. Linked to this is the issue of wisdom in our stewardship – how we manage the material wealth entrusted to us. We must look to the Lord to guide us so that we will be wise in how we channel what we have. In this respect, consider what is appropriate in our context, according to our understanding, convictions and maturity.
Be wholesome and balanced in our approach. Do not go to extremes. Seek the Lord so that more and more, we may be able to enter into a higher level of walk with Him.
Another aspect we considered is the proper place of faith, of trusting God for our material needs. We need to nurture true faith and make sure we are not ensnared by the deceitfulness of riches.
As we work out faithfully in these areas, we will be laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven. Like the excellent wife, we can face the future with a deep sense of assurance and confidence in the Lord – not just for our time on earth, but also in eternity with the Lord.
Be honest and open to the Lord as we reflect over our lives: What is our true attitude? What is the inward reality within us in relation to material wealth and stewardship? Are there attitudes and ways that we need to correct? How can we nurture a healthy attitude? How can we improve the practical expressions?
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Appearance & Reality > The Lord Jesus Christ > Truly rich
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