[CYM] 46.0 Be Rich Toward God

Yeshua consistently warned against the dangers of greed and materialism, urging His followers instead to be “rich toward God”—to live with eternal priorities rather than worldly gain.

This theme is powerfully illustrated in Luke 12:15–21.

When someone in the crowd asks Yeshua to settle a dispute over inheritance, Yeshua responds:

And he said unto them, 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).

He then tells the Parable of the Rich Fool, a man who hoards his wealth and plans for personal ease, only to die suddenly. God calls him a fool because he stored up things for himself and is not rich toward God (Luke 12:21).

In Matthew 6:19–21, Yeshua commands:

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Here, Yeshua shifts focus from material security to spiritual investment—a call to trust God rather than wealth.

Similarly, Mark 10:21–25 records Yeshua telling the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and follow Him. The man walks away sad, and Yeshua remarks,

How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Yeshua answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Though John does not explicitly emphasize greed, Yeshua does teach detachment from worldly values (John 6:27; 12:25).

Across the scripture, Yeshua commands His followers to reject greed and instead pursue generosity, contentment, and eternal treasure—being rich toward God.