We say we are rich because we honestly feel rich. Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, but we are middle class. We believe we have achieved something, we are partially pleased with ourselves. Why do we feel rich?

Read Revelation 3:14-22

1. We set up false laws, and keep them.

 

If I am busy all day, then I have been acceptable. So how do I live? I get up "on time", and I start in on my list. I get my morning chores done, get to work, perform the tasks I need to, get home in time to do my evening chores. If I am efficient, then I stay busy and get it all done.

 

Maybe my wife needed me to shut up and listen, maybe my kids needed me to spend some unscheduled time just being with them, maybe my husband needed me to call him, or cuddle with him. These are all things that I did not notice, because I was too busy. So yes, I failed to love the people God has called me to love, but I feel rich, because I was busy.

 

Or if I have a lot of friends, even if that means neglecting my wife, or spending irresponsibly.  Or  if my child is happy, even if that means teaching him wrongly that the earth revolves around his desires. Any of these things can make me feel righteous and complete even though I am bankrupt and naked.

 

You see, we feel rich because we have pleased a lesser god. We have pleased ourselves.

 

2. We look at the destruction caused by others

We all have that line we will not cross. And when we see someone else cross it, we feel rich. Sure I am bad, but not as bad as that!

Ask the Lord to give you some insight into your life. What are your false laws that you keep to make sure you stay pleased with yourself?