Our society is one that places much emphasis on the material things of this world. In our world money talks. If you have it, people view you as being someone important, successful, and smart. If you’re rich, people will listen to you when you talk, even if what you say isn’t worth much. Some of the dumbest things I have ever heard have come from some of the most important and wealthy people of our day. Oprah Winfrey’s ideas about God are illogical. Ted Turner’s ideas about the Bible are ludicrous. But rest assured, some people will accept anything people like these say. Why? They will listen because they are successful. What is the measure of their success in the eyes of many? Their wealth. The fact that they have been able to secure for themselves many millions of dollars tells our society that they have great insight, and when they conclude something, we should listen, that is, if we are as smart and insightful as they are.

Many pursue riches today because they want the power, prestige, and popularity that goes with it, as well as the material things. However, Jesus had a different view toward earthly riches and the benefits that go along with them. Jesus said, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15). Covetousness is having an inordinate desire for something. When it comes to material riches, there are many covetous people in our world, some even in the body of Christ. There is nothing wrong with riches; it is one’s attitude toward them that results in covetousness. There is much more to life than accumulating physical stuff on earth, stuff that is perishable anyway (Matthew 6:19). Being found faithful to God is a thousand times more beneficial than having a lot of money in a bank account somewhere. And the benefits are better too. Consider the following: 

Silver and gold have I none, but my sins have been washed away. Man may always think that success is determined by how much money a person has. Real success, however, is determined by what kind of relationship one has with God. Physical riches may lead to a certain kind of comfort here on earth, but being rich toward God leads to eternal bliss in heaven. No amount of earthly riches can do that. Would you exchange your soul for earthly riches? If so, you will come out on the short end of the stick. I would not ever want to change places with those who are rich but do not know God. I may not have all the luxuries of life; I may not have very much silver and gold, but I have fellowship with God and I’m satisfied with that!

Silver and gold have I none, but I can pray to God. One of the benefits of having our sins washed away is having access to all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3). One such blessing is prayer. Prayer cannot be bought any more than Simon could buy the ability to transfer miraculous power by the laying on of his hands (Acts 8:18-23). Prayer is available only to those who have fellowship with God (John 9:31; Isaiah 59:2). To pray is to be able to talk to God. It is to be in position to ask for His help (Hebrews 4:16), to secure His providential care (Matthew 7:7), and to be able to obtain wisdom for proper living (James 1:5). The true worth of prayer cannot be estimated. I may not have silver and gold, but I can pray, and I am satisfied with that!

Silver and gold have I none, but I have the gospel. One can still help others and share with people even if he is not wealthy. Peter and John were not rich, but they certainly had something to give the cripple man who asked alms of them (Acts 3:1-8). As Christians we too have something to give that is far more valuable than silver and gold. We have the gospel. The gospel saves souls (Romans 1:16). The gospel teaches people about God and how to live in an acceptable manner before Him. To share the gospel with someone is a greater gift than giving money or physical gifts. The person who hears the gospel from you and accepts it, will be grateful to you forever. Remember, to convert someone with the gospel is to save his soul from death (James 5:19, 20). No, I may not have silver and gold, but I do have the gospel and with it I can help people beyond measure. I’m satisfied with that!

Are you rich? If so, use those riches to glorify God and help your fellowman. If you’re not, be content with what you have (1Timothy 6:8). For after all, in Christ we have a whole lot.