April 2013 Articles

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Spiritual Corner

Spiritual Corner Who is Rich?
Our answer to that question goes a long way in revealing the condition of our heart. I like the story told so many times of the Wyoming rancher who went to Germany to do some agricultural consulting. One day while meeting with a farmer he asked, “How big is your farm,” in which the farmer replied, “about a mile square.” Then the German asked the rancher, “How big is your farm?” The rancher proudly sticks out his chest and replies, “I could get in my truck at dawn and ride until sunset and still be on my ranch.” Not to be outdone the farmer replied, “I’m sorry, I used to have a truck just like that.” We often tell humorous stories such as that in jest, but there are those in today’s society who like the rancher, have more than sufficient earthly goods, and are in need of nothing, who allow such success to lead them into thinking they don’t need God either. Although it is only natural for man to be proud of his accomplishments, we must be sure that God receives the proper thanks for our success. In Luke chapter 12, Jesus is teaching a great number of people when from the audience someone says to Him, “Tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” In which He replies, “Who made me a judge or divider over you?” The answer Jesus gives clearly defines what is most important, and it is not striving for houses or lands! As he went “about his father’s business,” one very important part of Christ’s mission was to remind man that “life does not consist in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Jesus uses this opportunity to teach, by way of a parable, a story of a rich man who had more bounty from the land than he would ever use. Hence the man says to himself, “I have much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” We might say, “What a successful man.” Jesus says, “Thou Fool! Should you die tonight, to whom will your things belong?” A very good question over 2000 years ago, and one in which we should all give some serious thought today. If you are a child of God, you are rich beyond belief! Writer: Tommy Bennett