Bible Reading: Hosea 9; 10; 11; Revelation 3.
Memory Verse: “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Revelation 3:17 (KJV)
The Church at Laodicea likely consists of people who have expensive cars and live in Mansions. People see them as rich because they have more than basic needs and they tend to increase in wealth regularly because of their regular source of income. They appear not to need any material thing. But listen to the Lord Jesus’ chastisement of them in Revelation 3:17 (KJV), “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:”
They are wretched in heaven because they have not saved for their hereafter. The Lord Jesus stated in Matthew 6:19-20 (KJV), “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” To do this, all you need is to support the work of God on earth and also give to the poor cheerfully ( Matthew 19:21). When you give to the poor, you will no longer be miserable as you will have companions of those you have genuinely helped. And of course you will not be poor because your giving to both the poor and work of God is like investment in heaven. Of course you will only do this if your inner eyes have been opened to the gospel and your heavenly investment will cover your nakedness!
So where are you keeping your riches? It is important that while you maintain a good comfort here on earth, you also need to impact your world positively by helping those who are less priviledged. It is trite, to note that such giving should be done cheerfully and not grudgingly as God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthian 9:7). It is important to note that having treasures in heaven does not guarantee your going there. The only thing that can guaranty that is to live a life of holiness as the bible says in Hebrews 12:14 (KJV), “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”
Prayer point: Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, give me the grace to lay up treasures in heaven and to live a life pleasing unto you.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero