2. Is being rich a blessing ?

Riches have many perception among us. Material, wealth, property, gold, money, there are so many meanings we perceive.

In his ministry, Jesus says

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6: 20-21).(NIV)

What is heavenly treasure? Gold? A lot of money? Or a Big House, Lands, Real Estate?

These are thought to be rich in worldly sense. Jesus had answered this question during his ministry and said.

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.Mark 10:21 (KJV).

First part of the Answer:

Give everything. All your belongings.

What is the implication? Give all your riches to the poor. Don’t Hoard anything stating, I need

for me,

for my children,

for my next meal,

for my parents etc.,

Give everything to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven.

Now come to the next part of the answer. “take up the cross and follow me.”

What is cross that is mentioned here? Cross is explained by many as suffering, curse, etc., Literally it is a log of wood.

When Jesus said this, he did not die on the cross. During the 1st Century, when Jesus Lived, Cross was used as a method of punishment of Criminals. Jesus himself says “carry the cross and Follow me”, why?

He means follow me just like a cursed, just like a criminal, with shame and humility.

It is not easy to be Humble when you are rich.

Jesus says, "those who humble themselves will be exalted." Luke 14:11(NIV)

Scripture says “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord.

Jesus says

What is the point if you give and the beneficiary is able to return?

Now look at the title of this section. Is being RICH a blessing?

Only if you have Humility and kindness to the poor, Prosperity will be a blessing.

Let us see a small event.

A man of God was traveling in a bus. There was some money in his wallet. A thief got into the bus and picks his wallet. The man of God feels the picking by the thief.

Imagine you in the place of this man of God and Read one by one of the following reactions and the moment your reaction matches, stop and see next page. DONOT READ ALL REACTIONS AFTER YOUR MATCHING REACTION HAS COME.

See the first Reaction Here