READ: PSALM 63; JOHN 14:1-6; PHILIPPIANS 3:7-9

A lot of people think money is what makes you rich, but let’s take a closer look at the concept of riches. No matter how much money a person has, it never feels like enough. Just ask any wealthy person! Money won’t bring true satisfaction—and it doesn’t last. We can’t take wealth or status with us when we die.

The reality is, what makes us rich—is love. The true and unending love of God. Humans were created to be in relationship with God, but humanity rejected Him to go our own way, and so we’re left searching for something to fill the deep longing that only God can fill. Yet, the good news is that God extends His love to us, even though we could never earn it, even though we’re all greedy and self-centered and, well, sinful. He loves us so much that Jesus—God in flesh— died and rose again to beat sin and death so that we could be with Him. Now, everyone who puts their trust in Jesus is forgiven and welcomed into rich and satisfying relationship with God.

And as Christians we also get to look forward to the day Jesus will return and we will live forever with Him and His people on the new heavens and new earth. Then we will enjoy the lavish abundance of everything we could ever desire, and nothing will be tainted by the suffering and confusion caused by sin. And even as we wait for this day, Jesus fills our hearts with His love through the Holy Spirit. He also places us in His family and blesses us with the love of our brothers and sisters who also know Jesus. And He transforms even our suffering into hope because He is just that good (Romans 5:1-8). Yes, in Christ, we are very rich indeed.

So, when we find ourselves craving earthly riches like money or success, let’s run to Jesus instead. He’s eager to remind us that these riches aren’t the things that really count. A relationship with Jesus is more valuable than any treasure this world has to offer. • A. W. Smith

• Earthly wealth doesn’t offer true satisfaction, and it can often cloud our vision so that we love money or status more than God or our neighbors. As Christians, how does Jesus help us view the things we have on earth in light of the greater riches we have as members of Jesus’s family?

• To learn more about what it means to know Jesus, check out our “Know Jesus” page.

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” Matthew 16:26 (NLT)