The world is full of get-rich-quick scams. At one time or another, most of us have been pulled into pyramid schemes of web lies. I can be sure that someone out there has made money; it just was not us. Yet now, in our tech-savvy world, we are all suffering the frustration and wrath of phone scammers. They are experts in manipulation and relentless in their pursuit of the uninformed. Listening to them comes at a high cost to many. God help us all! Many well-intentioned folks have desired all the things this world offers them. Money, power, prestige, fame and are willing to do whatever it takes to have it. Thus, the success of “The get rich quick schemes” over the years. People will lie, cheat, steal, and even kill if they think it will help them succeed where others have failed. ( I know that may seem extreme, but sadly, it is still true.) However, in the end, all those things will not satisfy their human need for a relationship with the Creator. Yet, for most of them, their deep love of the world and worldly possessions have blinded them to their need for a savior of any kind. Consider John’s writing, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17) In fact, their desires and actions are the things that will actually separate them from God in the end.
“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear, but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2) The disciples of Jesus, however, are called to a different type of journey. We are not rich with the things of this world but full of selflessness and worldly denial to know and follow Jesus. After all, Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) We are to choose to live and love just as Jesus lived and loved. We are to be willing to follow Him not only in life but in death for the glory of God. Looking for our reward in heaven and not here on this earth. So, what are we living for today? What are we willing to die for tomorrow? Following God is not a riches in this life. It is about the eternal love, joy, and identity found in the kingdom that is now and not yet.