Riches of Christ

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich)… Revelation 2:9

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ: Ephesians 3:8

Rich, rich in the kingdom of God… *

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The richest people may have the least amount of earthly goods. We tend to think that the more we have the happier we will be. If we can have the latest car, or gadget, another bit of land, or a little bigger paycheck we would then be happier. In some cases this is true, a lack of money can cause stress. However, true riches are not linked to earthly riches. This seems a little paradoxical. Jesus told the rich young man that came to him, that if he would sell all that he had, he could gain what he was seeking. This he was not willing for, so he went away sorrowful. His heart was set on his earthly goods, which prevented him from experiencing the true heavenly riches. See Matthew 19:16. This does not mean that only poor people can serve God, it simply means that these earthly goods are not the true riches; they will not buy us health, happiness, or a home in heaven. Earthly riches are relative to those around us. In a moments time they can be taken away; they are only for this earthly life and we cannot take them with us to the grave.

True spiritual riches are not related to earthly things, but a source that comes from, and reaches beyond this life to the great beyond. True riches are peace and love in the heart. It is a relationship with Jesus. It is inner comfort when the world is falling apart around us. It will stay with us through financial or health crisis, or the death of those we hold dear. It does not mean we will not have difficulty but we have someone who comforts us in the difficulty. We can have his abiding presence during our lowest time; it is where we turn to for direction in life. True riches is being able to place our fears in the hands of a power who can make a difference in life. It is going to sleep at night with peace, knowing that should I not awaken in the morning, my salvation is secure. It is knowing that when I am a financial failure, that it does not affect the true riches of Christ.

Christ’s storehouse is full for those who seek it. His word is full of promises to the faithful; truth that will never pass away. His heart is full of love for all mankind; no matter the circumstances he is waiting to receive them. His love never fails or diminishes over time. Unlike earthly love, which can be conditional; Christ’s love is unconditional. No matter how far we move from him, his love remains true and faithful. He loves us with an everlasting love, ready to receive each and everyone who comes to him.

Christ’s love is unconditional, drawing all men to him. However, he will not share our love with another. We must come to him repenting of our sins, in order to receive him into our hearts.

The riches of his love reach beyond the boarders of knowledge and human understanding. One does not need an education to receive it. In fact, God has chose the poor of this world, rich in faith. See James 2:5 Human understanding often undermines simple trusting faith. When we possess earthly riches, we tend to put our trust in them rather than leaning wholly on God and depending on his riches to fill our needs.

We will never be able to comprehend in this life, with our limited human understanding, the full riches of Christ. One day when this life has ended, if we have been faithful, we will experience and understand in fullness, the riches in his glory.

*I Am Rich by Rev. J.H. Parker