Riches

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. 15 “ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”  Revelation 3:14-22

Observations:
1. Jesus knows our works. (Hebrews 4:13)
2. Anything less than full commitment to Jesus disgusts Him. (Luke 14:27)
3. Wealth* can blind us to our real position and circumstances. (Matthew 6:24)
4. The appropriate response from the Laodicean position is to be zealous for Christ and repent.
5. We are called to seek treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21), righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 8:12,13) and revelation from God (Ephesians 1:18). [Revelation 3:18]
6. We need to listen for Christ's voice and respond to commune with him.
7. There are unspeakable riches for those who overcome.

* I would define wealth as having few needs. Most people in the US are wealthy.

Wealth and Reputation

Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. (1 Ch 29:12 ESV)

Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’  You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth... (Dt 8:17,18 ESV)

Observations:

1. Wealth, if one has it, is from God.  Let one never suppose that what one has monetarily and/or materially is deserved or of one's own doing. 

2. Power, if one has it, is from God.  Let one never suppose that the position one has is deserved or because of one's intrinsic greatness.

3. Reputation is from God. He is the provider and protector of what others think of us. Seek not to protect one's own reputation but entreat God as your protector to act when one is wrongly accused. (This does not mean to not act justly when it is in our power to do so).

4. One's wealth, power and reputation are not indicators of one's position with God.


See 1 Samuel 2:7 also.

David's Prayer 1 Chronicles 29:10-13.

David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,
"Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

Observations:
-This is a great prayer of praise to our God and King.
-Everything is God's. He is ruler over all.
-Wealth, honor and strength are gifts from God, not of ourselves.