endangered species
"I repeat what I said: it is easier for a camel to pass through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." —Matthew 19:24
Jesus bluntly stated the difficulty, even impossibility, of a rich person entering God's kingdom (Mt 19:23). A rich person can hope to be saved only because all things are possible for God (Mt 19:26). Obviously it is a high risk to be rich. Therefore, we should avoid being rich if at all possible.
However, if God insists on our being rich and serving as agents of His abundant generosity, we should be extremely careful, knowing we are "walking a tightrope" from which we can easily fall into eternal damnation. Rich Christians need more prayer, teaching, direction, discernment, and generosity than other Christians because they are such a high risk. Very few people think they qualify as rich. However, 95% of American Christians qualify as rich people by Biblical and international standards. Therefore, we are high risk, and it's a "long shot" for us to faithfully live out our Christian lives and go to heaven.
Although the odds are against us, by God's grace we can expect to be saved. However, we must be extremely careful to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb 3:1). We are the most endangered species of Christians. We must be sober and watchful (1 Thes 5:6) as we constantly cry out for God's mercy.
Prayer: Father, may I resist the devil as he prowls about looking to devour me (1 Pt 5:8-9).
Promise: "Surely, the Lord shall do justice for His people; on His servants He shall have pity." —Dt 32:36
Praise: St. John Eudes was rich in the things of God as he became known as the preacher who most touched the hearts of the people in his time. He dedicated his religious congregation to Jesus and Mary.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, The Bible on Money.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 25, 2008
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