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Riches
 In Jesus' day many people, including His own disciples, considered
riches to be a sign of God's acceptance and blessing. So Jesus' statement,
"It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven," shocked His
disciples, prompting their query, "Who then can be saved?"
Jesus noted the human tendency to allow whatever outstanding abilities
or qualities we feel we possess–material wealth, advanced educational degrees,
economic or social status, athletic abilities, impressive titles, occupational
success, good looks, respected community standing, reputation for philanthropy,
etc.–to blunt our sense of need for God. Whatever natural or acquired
endowments we may possess, however greatly admired by others or cherished
ourselves, can become a great curse if we allow them to keep us from seeking
a spiritual relationship with God or to hold us back from making a full
commitment to God. That was Jesus' point.
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