On being rich

Dear friends

Do you think if you were rich it would change you, honestly? Here are two passages on wealth that are worth us weighing them up. The first is from the New Testament, Mark 10:17-22.

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

The second is from the Book of Mormon, Jacob 2:17-19.

17 Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.
18 But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
19 And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.

What are the lessons from these two passages about prosperity? Rich people can recognise God just like anyone else, and seek to worship Him. Rich people may well keep all the commandments related to personal purity and worthiness. Rich people are loved by God too (but not because of their riches). Rich people don't automatically have everything ("one thing thou lackest"). Being rich is not a sin in itself. Wealth is for sharing (like every gift or blessing from God). Seek God first, then seek riches, if you want them, and do it to do good.

I hope we will pay attention to this priceless prescription for prudence. I pray we will gain gratefully and give graciously. We'll be all the richer if we do.

Samuel.