Rich Man, Poor Man 2020

A popular saying in the 1980s was "He who dies with the most toys wins." The quote is attributed to flamboyant millionaire Malcolm Forbes.

In stark contrast to the advice of Mr. Forbes I recall as a kid in Sunday School learning the story in Mt 19:16-26 where after the dejected rich young ruler leaves Jesus he tells his disciples "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter Heaven."  
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​This was GOOD NEWS for my lower middle classed family and BAD NEWS for those 'blessed with RICHES' living on the other side of the tracks.  ​

​​AND.. It was clear even to my elementary school understanding of physics no big ol' hairy desert beast of burden will pass through an eye of any needle.

I later learned the 'eye of the needle' Jesus was referring to was a small gate in Jerusalem a camel could only pass through if it stooped and had its baggage removed.   This is a great analogy of wealth which can be a great blessing and resource for self and others in this life, but.. "you can't take it with you." .

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So clearly the smirky advice of  'Rich Man' Malcom Forbes (even if true) pales in comparison to 'Poor Man' Jesus words of eternal perspective.

But what about me? As a relatively poor man I find myself strangely affected by the thoughts of the Rich Young Ruler.  

Let me paraphrase Mt 19: 16-22 if I was talking to Jesus.  Ok, as I said I am more poor than rich, so how would that conversation look?

Jeff: Teacher, what must I do to get eternal life?  
Jesus: keep the commandments.. don't murder Jeff: CHECK
Jesus: don't commit adultery Jeff: CHECK
Jesus: don't steal Jeff: CHECK,
Jesus: tell the truth Jeff: CHECK
Jesus: honor father and mother Jeff: CHECK
Jesus: and love your neighbor as yourself Jeff: CHECK.  
Jeff: {thinking so far so good}
Jesus: "Now give yourself totally to me. Give me your time, your leisure, your resources, your thoughts, and trust me when life is good and when it is difficult. Ready?"  

<insert awkard pause here>

Jeff: I thought you were going to ask me about money?  Money is ok to give up since I don't have much, but I need my TV time to unwind at night. No more than 3 hours.. and my sports.. let me keep my sports, ok?

If Jesus would ever slap his head, and mutter "Oh brother".. It would be after this conversation.

​ME ME ME ME FIRST!
​I agree with the teaching of the rich young ruler.. but also if honest I am not sure I give myself totally to Jesus. In fact, I know I don't.

I have to say honestly that today I am seeking God like never before in my life.  I have a rush of passion for Jesus, and pursue him humbly like never before.. BUT .. oh what a wretched sinner I am. 

I think of my past, my regrets, my SINS, hurt relationships, and know I could have only done better. I think about my present state of exhilaration in pursuing God and feel a bit stuck, and that whatever God calls me to do big or small.. I WILL MESS IT UP.

I claim to put God first.. but I have a lot of ME in me. I like, I want, I slip up, and am afraid of messing up my witness, and/or give of my time.

BUT I KNOW.. whether a 'Rich Man' or a 'Poor Man' we daily need to say to God I am yours.  It will take our daily pursuit of Him (prayer, Bible, and fellowship), and an assertive effort to serve Him.  In big or small, whether rich or poor.. all to the Glory of God.

My prayer is all of the RICH and POOR folk of God be faithful in the lives we live and the resources we are blessed with.  May we all be about the business of sharing Jesus to a world that is lost as 'One body, many parts'.. God bless y'all!

​Jeff (relatively poor and content) Larson

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