To Be Rich

Ephesians 1:17-19—I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.

The way the Bible refers to the riches in this passage (as well as others) can be misleading to some.  In the secular world, the word “riches” usually refers to money or goods of high monetary value.  If we say someone is rich, we usually mean the person is extremely wealthy.  The Bible uses this word in a different context though.  We know that God does not value worldly wealth in the same way that we do.  He doesn’t need money or jewels or gold.  So as Christians, we cannot expect to get rich in the worldly sense when the Bible tells us we will inherit glorious riches.  What God is trying to tell us is that the riches He provides are far greater than any idea of riches we currently have.  True wealth is developed in relationship with Him.  When we grow in our understanding of His ways, when we begin to hear His voice, when we are able to be in constant prayer and communication with Him throughout our daily lives, that’s when we start to be in the midst of His riches.  That is when we can see and feel His power and love at ever increasing levels.  That is when we will know that none of the earthly riches matter all.

Today as you pray and meditate on His Word, praise God for blessing you with the gift of enlightenment.  Ask Him to continue opening your heart and mind to His Presence so that you can grow in your understanding of His Ways.  Pray that your eyes would be directed toward the true riches and rejoice in His great power.