THE CHILDREN'S RICHES

I remember as a boy being puzzled when a poor, aged believer told me that she was rich enough to employ two footmen to wait upon her. On enquiry she said that one was named 'Goodness' and the other 'Mercy', and that they were following her all the days of her life! From this and from the witness of many another saint we learn what is the true wealth of believers on the Lord Jesus who have access by the Holy Spirit to the "unsearchable riches of the Christ". These very words give a sense of wealth, how much more then the glad tidings that the substance belongs to us.

As regards this world's riches a man of God once said that the only advantage he could see in having great wealth was that more could be surrendered for the sake of the Lord. Another, on inheriting a fortune called together the elders of his local assembly for advice because he was 'in financial embarrassment'. The wise man, Solomon, said of wealth that it makes to itself wings and flies away. Little would he know that, centuries later, many of the priceless treasures of Egyptian tombs would vanish into dust on being brought into display. In any case nothing can be taken through the Custom House of death. But spiritual enrichment is eternal.

It may be that few believers are tested with great wealth but we should all be acquiring "the riches of salvation, wisdom and knowledge", and have the fear of God for our treasure. As is often said, salvation is not only freedom from judgment but is the enjoyment of all that our Saviour has won by the sacrifice of Himself in abiding love for us. Also He has been made wisdom to us so that we can test every thought and deed by the perfect standard which we have in Him as a Model. True knowledge is what Moses acquired when he learned to value the reproach of the Christ as greater riches than all the treasures of Egypt - vast as they must have been.

The fear of God is not a feeling of dread but the recognition of Him in all your ways and He will direct your life's pathway. Is this your treasure?

J.C.Evershed