Issues: Poverty and Wealth

'The Rich Fool'

In Jesus' time the Jewish people believed riches proved that a man or woman was pleasing to God and poverty/begging the reverse. Jesus told this parable to emphasise attitude to possessions as being the main consideration and not taking life and others for granted. The true riches are in the practice of pleasing God, for instance by helping others in need and not being selfish "Be careful and guard against all kinds of greed. Life is not measured by how much one owns." Luke chapter 12 verse 15. YB

"The love of money is the root of all evil." 1 Timothy chapter 6 verse 10. KJV.

Most people would like more money but when it becomes the 'top priority' things can go wrong in attitudes to others, relationships in families and in international business. Think of examples in the football, music and business aspects of life where this has occurred.

LOOK AT: 'IT'S ONLY MONEY' - Youth Bible Page 1029.

CHECK OUT: Isaiah chapter 58 verses 6 - 11; Matthew chapter 6 verses 19 - 21; 2 Corinthians chapter 9 verses 6 - 9.

These passages emphasise the use of resources to help others in need, but also promise a reward from God to those who are generous because they are acting as God does:
"He gives freely to the poor. The things he does are right and will continue forever." Psalm 112 verse 9 Youth Bible.

Read on in 2 Corinthians chapter 10 verses 10 -15, and find out other results that Paul says come from giving and that encourage Christians in this.