The Dash For Cash

The Pursuit of Wealth: A Spiritual Perspective

In our modern world, the pursuit of wealth often takes center stage. We're bombarded with messages about success, financial freedom, and the importance of "making it." But what does this relentless chase for material prosperity mean in the grand scheme of our spiritual lives?

Let's pause for a moment and consider a powerful story from the Bible that sheds light on this very question. In Luke 16:19-31, we encounter a tale of two men - one rich, one poor - and their vastly different fates.

The rich man in this narrative lived a life of luxury. He dressed in the finest clothes, ate the best food, and enjoyed every comfort money could buy. Purple garments and fine linen were his daily attire - symbols of wealth and status in those times. He "joyously lived in splendor every day," controlling even the climate of his home (much like we do with air conditioning today).

In stark contrast, at the gate of this man's property lay Lazarus, a poor man covered in sores. Lazarus longed for even the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. His condition was so dire that dogs would come and lick his wounds - a detail that, while seemingly grotesque, actually speaks to God's provision of comfort even in the direst circumstances.

The story takes a dramatic turn when both men die. Lazarus is carried by angels to "Abraham's bosom" - a metaphor for heaven. The rich man, however, finds himself in Hades, in torment. The tables have turned completely.

This parable challenges us to examine our own lives and priorities. Are we, like the rich man, so focused on our own comfort and wealth that we fail to see the suffering around us? Do we recognize the blessings we have, or are we constantly comparing ourselves to those who have more?

It's crucial to understand that this story isn't condemning wealth itself. Rather, it's a warning against the love of money and the neglect of our spiritual and moral responsibilities. The rich man's sin wasn't his wealth, but his failure to use that wealth to help others, particularly Lazarus, who was quite literally at his doorstep.

In our own lives, we must ask ourselves: How are we using the resources God has given us? Are we so caught up in our own pursuits that we're blind to the needs of others?

The parable goes on to show the rich man pleading with Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers about the fate that awaits them. Abraham's response is telling: "They have Moses and the prophets; let them listen to them." This points to the sufficiency of God's Word and the teachings already available to us. We don't need spectacular signs or people returning from the dead to tell us how to live - we have the guidance we need in Scripture and in the teachings of those who proclaim God's word.

This story serves as a sobering reminder that our earthly possessions and status mean nothing in eternity. What matters is how we live, how we treat others, and most importantly, our relationship with God.

In our modern context, it's easy to get caught up in what's been called "the dash for cash" - the relentless pursuit of financial success from birth to death. We're often tempted to measure our worth and success by our bank accounts, our homes, our cars, and our social status. But this parable reminds us that such measures are meaningless in God's eyes.

Instead, we're called to a different standard. We're called to be generous, to be aware of the needs around us, and to use whatever resources we have - be they great or small - for the good of others and for God's glory. This doesn't mean we shouldn't work hard or seek to provide for ourselves and our families. Work is, after all, ordained by God and can be a source of purpose and creativity. But it does mean that our ultimate focus should be on eternal values rather than temporary wealth.

The parable also serves as a stark reminder of the reality of eternity. It paints a vivid picture of the afterlife, challenging the notion that death is the end or that our actions in this life don't have eternal consequences. This isn't meant to scare us, but to awaken us to the importance of our choices and actions here and now.

So how do we apply this wisdom to our lives? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Practice gratitude: Recognize the blessings you have, rather than constantly focusing on what you lack.

2. Be generous: Look for opportunities to help others, whether through your time, talents, or resources.

3. Keep eternal perspective: Remember that your true treasure is in heaven, not in earthly possessions.

4. Study God's Word: Don't wait for spectacular signs. The guidance we need for righteous living is already available to us in Scripture.

5. Examine your motives: Are you pursuing wealth for security and comfort, or to better serve God and others?

6. Live with open eyes: Be aware of the "Lazarus" at your own gate - those in need who are within your sphere of influence.

In conclusion, while there's nothing inherently wrong with financial success, we must be careful not to let the pursuit of wealth blind us to the more important aspects of life - our relationship with God, our treatment of others, and our eternal destiny. May we all strive to live in a way that, when our time on earth is done, we'll be welcomed into eternity not because of our bank accounts, but because of our faith and how we've loved God and our neighbors.

Let's challenge ourselves to live with eternity in mind, using whatever resources God has given us - whether many or few - for His glory and the good of others. In doing so, we'll find a richness that far surpasses any earthly wealth we could accumulate.