Jesus, observing him, said, How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to enter through a needle’s eye than [for] a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Luke 18:24-25
This is probably one of the greatest reasons that Jesus said that He is a Stumbling Stone and a Rock of Offense. People want wealth. They pray for it, they seek it, and they work a majority of every day to obtain it, but Jesus repeatedly teaches that worldly wealth is not to be desired.
But woe to (alas for) you who are rich (abounding in material resources), for you already are receiving your consolation (the solace and sense of strengthening and cheer that come from prosperity) and have taken and enjoyed your comfort in full [having nothing left to be awarded you]. Woe to (alas for) you who are full now (completely filled, luxuriously gorged and satiated), for you shall hunger and suffer want! Woe to (alas for) you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep and wail! Luke 6:24-25
And solemnly lifting up His eyes on His disciples, He said: Blessed (happy—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, apart from your outward condition—and to be envied) are you poor and lowly and afflicted (destitute of wealth, influence, position, and honor), for the kingdom of God is yours! Luke 6:20
This Truth on not desiring wealth is not a message that will fill up a church building, but it is one that will allow you to live in the fullness of Christ and experience life to its fullest.
