WHAT ARE TRUE RICHES?

Luke 16-21 "And He spoke a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully and he thought within himself, saying, what shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? and he said this will I do, I will pull down my barns and build greater. And there will I bestow all my fruits and goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul you have much goods laid up for many years, take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But GOD said unto him, you fool, this night your soul shall be required of you. Then whose shall those things be which you have provided? So is he that lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward GOD."

Jesus used many parables to teach spiritual truth. In this particular parable Jesus is teaching that material possessions will never bring lasting joy and eternal favor with GOD. This particular man was rich. He lacked nothing as far as money was concerned. He had the ability to do whatever his heart was pleased to do. He was successful, well to do and probably well thought of. A good reputation no doubt. He seemed to have it all.

He was not content with what he had. He wanted more. He planned to tear down his barns and build bigger barns and have even more wealth. It seems that most people who are rich never have enough. They always want more.

One of the important goals of many people is the need for the feeling of financial security. They think if they just have plenty of money every thing will be fine. They think they will never have anything to worry about. Now to be clear, being successful in life and having one's needs met and their families needs met is extremely important. But where do we put our trust? Is one's trust in riches or is their trust in GOD? GOD has promised to the true believer that He will meet our needs. Philippians 4:19 says "My GOD shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

To be wealthy and to leave GOD out of your life will lead to total loss and eternal regret. The most important thing in life is where will I spend eternity? What happens when I die? The Bible says in Hebrews 9:27 "and as it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment."

GOD observed this rich man and said "you fool," this night your soul shall be required of you, then whose will these things be?" Luke 12:20. Matthew 16:26 says "For what is a man profited if he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"

The true riches in life are faith in GOD, forgiveness of sins, receiving the free gift of eternal life by faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Where are you today? What are you trusting in? The true riches truly are faith in GOD, eternal life, forgiveness of sins and living one's life to the glory of GOD.