What Jesus teaches about Wealth and Materialism
Introduction
Welcome to this devotional about what Jesus teaches on wealth and materialism. The desire for wealth and material possessions is a common human pursuit. Yet, what does Jesus, our ultimate mark of righteousness and love, say about this pursuit? We invite you on this journey of discovery and transformation.
This devotional serves as a resource not only for understanding Jesus’s teachings on wealth and materialism but also for application in our daily lives. We believe that richer than any material wealth, is the richness of a life lived in the light of God’s love and wisdom.
Bible Verse
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21
Meaning
In these verses, Jesus challenges our common understanding of wealth. He doesn’t condemn wealth itself but admonishes against valuing it above eternal, heavenly treasures. Wealth, as we understand, is temporal and can be destroyed or stolen. Jesus encourages us to invest in possessions that have eternal value and are incorruptible.
Treasures in heaven relate to the good deeds, acts of kindness, spiritual discipline, forgiveness and love that we extend to others. In the Kingdom of Heaven, these are the true valuables. The location of our treasure affects the orientation of our heart. What we value, we will devote our lives to.
Actions to Take
- Prioritize spiritual growth and character growth over the accumulation of material possessions.
- Extend love, kindness, and generosity to others.
- Spend time building relationships which have eternal value, rather than solely pursuing earthly riches.
- Spend time daily in prayer and study of God’s word to store up spiritual treasures.
- Support those who are less fortunate.
Journal Prompts
- What is your perspective on Jesus’s teachings on wealth and materialism?
- How can you begin storing up treasures in heaven, according to Jesus’s teachings?
- What is one thing you feel led to change in the light of today’s study?
- What ‘heavenly treasures’ are you currently storing up?
- How does today’s Bible passage challenge your current view of wealth and material possessions?
Prayer
Dear God, help me to value heavenly treasures more than earthly possessions. Let my heart align with Your teachings, knowing that material things are temporal, but Your word and love are eternal. Guide me as I seek to store up treasures in heaven. Amen.
Social Posts
- “Where your treasure is, your heart will be also. Invest in love, kindness and truth. #JesusTeachings”
- “Material wealth is temporal, but heavenly treasures are eternal. #KingdomMindset”
- “Are you storing up earthly treasures? Remember, in the Kingdom of God, love, kindness and generosity are the real wealth. #PursueRighteousness”
- “What you value, you devote your life to. Seek first the kingdom of God. #TreasuresInHeaven”
- “Jesus teaches us to pursue treasures that neither moth nor rust can destroy. Invest your life in what matters for eternity. #WealthAndMaterialism”
Conclusion
Understanding Jesus’s teachings on wealth and materialism allows us to align our values and actions with God’s heart. We learn that true wealth is not about accumulating material possessions, but about investing in spiritual growth, acts of kindness, and building relationships.
As you journey on, remember to examine your heart daily, ensuring that it is focused on storing up treasures in Heaven. Continue to explore more of Jesus’s teachings with us at BGodInspired.com. Let’s grow together in God’s wisdom and love.
Journaling – Your Pathway to Purposeful Mornings!
Q&A about what Jesus teaches about Wealth and Materialism
Q: What does Jesus teach about wealth and materialism?
A: Jesus teaches that wealth and materialism should not be the primary focus in life. In Matthew 6:19-21, He says not to store up treasures on earth where they can be stolen or spoilt, but to store up treasures in heaven. He further says in Matthew 6:24 that one cannot serve both God and money because you will inevitably love one more than the other.
Q: What does Jesus say is the problem with pursuing wealth?
A: Jesus indicates in Luke 12:15 that life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. He warns against greed and advises that true, meaningful life isn’t found in accumulated wealth, but in rich relationships with God and people.
Q: How does Jesus recommend we handle our wealth?
A: In the case of the Rich Young Ruler in Matthew 19:16-24, Jesus recommended that he sell his possessions, give to the poor, and then follow Him – indicating that care for the needy and pursuit of spiritual wealth should outweigh our attachment to material possessions.
Q: How does Jesus depict rich people’s difficulty in entering the kingdom of heaven?
A: In Matthew 19:24, Jesus uses the metaphor of a camel going through the eye of a needle to depict how difficult it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. He emphasizes that excessive attachment to wealth can hinder spiritual growth and relationship with God.
Q: What’s the perspective of Jesus on donations by wealthy individuals?
A: As seen in the story of the ‘Widow’s Offering’ in Mark 12:41-44, Jesus teaches that the value of a donation does not depend on its size. His praise for the widow who donates very little emphasizes the importance of the state of the heart, not the size of the gift.
Q: What does Jesus suggest as the ultimate treasure?
A: According to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:21, the ultimate treasure is heavenly or spiritual, not earthly or material, as He said: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. This suggests that our focus, devotion, and love should be more on God than riches.
