Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

Luke 6:20 (NIV)

But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.

Luke 6:24 (NIV)

In the 1967 film, The Producers, Max Bialystock shouts, “That’s it, baby, when you’ve got it, flaunt it! Flaunt it!” We live in a culture that has taken that advice to heart and run with it. Most people who are financially well off have the cars, houses, and lifestyles to prove it. Those blessed with good health and are physically fit are more likely to dress in ways that show off their bodies than those who might be overweight and struggle with keeping fit. Anyone on social media will notice those who have lots of followers over those who do not. Indeed, there are many ways in which someone can be rich or poor and none of them have anything to do with money.

When I read Scripture and want to know more about what I’ve read one of the first things I’ll do is compare different translations of the Scripture. The availability of digital versions of the Bible and all of the online resources available today makes this very easy. I normally read the New International Version (NIV) in English. However, if I were to select a second translation to read for clarity, I’d read the Amplified Bible (AMP). I really like the Amplified Bible because it can cut through trying to explain what something means and gets right to the point. Let’s take a look at what Jesus said about the poor and the rich from the Amplified Bible.

And looking toward His disciples, He began speaking: “Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are you who are poor [in spirit, those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for the kingdom of God is yours [both now and forever].

Luke 6:24 (AMP)

But woe (judgment is coming) to you who are rich [and place your faith in possessions while remaining spiritually impoverished], for you are [already] receiving your comfort in full [and there is nothing left to be awarded to you].

Luke 6:25 (AMP)

We can see here that the states of poor and rich that Jesus was referring to had nothing to do with money. If you’re like me you might be wondering, “What about it being hard for the rich to get into Heaven?” Let’s take a look at that verse from Matthew from the Amplified Bible.

Jesus said to His disciples, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, it is difficult for a rich man [who clings to possessions and status as security] to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:23 (AMP)

Therefore, being rich is more a state of mind than it is a state of wealth. Money is something that a person can take confidence in and believe that it will save them from myriad issues. However, anything that we might take confidence in because there’s an abundance of it can put us into a state that makes it hard for us to enter Heaven. Anyone can be spiritually impoverished and find themselves relying upon something else instead of God. David said, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God (Psalm 20:7 NIV). So be encouraged! Your bank account might be dwindling and your health failing but as long as you place your trust in God you will always be counted among the wealthy.

Do you know God? God knows you and He loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, right now, and He wants you to know Him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so that we could be free of guilt, be freed from death, and live eternally with Him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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