Title
The Hindrance of Riches
Scripture
When Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"
(Luke 18:24)
Devotional
No matter what the source of riches, they are more than often a hindrance to God's kingdom. Whether financial, prideful or even religious riches, all are stumbling blocks to enter the kingdom of God. The word Jesus used that we interpret as riches can likewise be translated as, a thing, a matter, an affair, an event or a business. Therefore even the financially poor can have riches in another realm. Consider what Jesus instructed the certain ruler to do, "Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." Allow me to paraphrase, "Get liquid, give an offering, become My disciple and find eternal riches. Here is how you know what riches you possess that will make it hard to enter the kingdom of God: what are you not willing to release? What are you holding on to that may hinder you from the true riches of God's kingdom?