uGroup Tithing message 3
Securing true riches (Luke 12:13-21 and Luke 12:33)
This is not an exceptional case. It applies to anyone who trusts in riches. Riches have one major weakness. They have no purchasing power after death. They cannot buy the currency needed to get to heaven. Do not try to be rich in regard to the bank or barn. Be rich in relationship to God. Through prayer, study, obedience, and practice of the word, be sure you are part of the kingdom of God
The rich man had failed to gain the true riches of a right relationship to God—one step towards which would certainly be through giving to the poor (33). Thus he was a fool; a godless and therefore a senseless person.
12:33. We must go one step further. Dedication to Jesus is more than becoming worry-free. It is loving and living like him. So do not depend on your money. Give what you own to the poor. Do not even be tempted by your moneybags or purses. These will just grow old, rot, and be ruined. You need purses that can never be ruined. Such are not earthly, but heavenly. Obey God, practice his word, follow with him to the cross. Trust him. You will store up your heavenly treasures. Treasures here bring fears of thieves and robbers. Such people do not exist in heaven. Nothing can destroy or rob you of your treasure there. Earthly treasures you will constantly worry about. Heavenly treasures give no cause for worry.
12:34. To summarize the matter: Choose where you want to store up treasure. Your heart, the center of emotions and mental activities, will concentrate on where you have your treasures. Your identity is determined by where your heart is. Ignore God, and spend all your physical, emotional, and psychic energy on the world’s goods and earthly success. Or trust God, and spend all your efforts on kingdom matters. To worry or not to worry—that is your question!
