Real Wealth

March 2009 – Grace & Truth Magazine

COLOSSIANS APPLIED:Real Wealth

God has chosen to make known ... the glorious riches of this mystery,
which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27 NIV

This week the post brought my semi-annual income tax bill. It’s due to be paid by the end of the month. I looked at my cash in the bank and the money in my wallet. There was just enough. Money comes and money goes. It doesn’t stay for long.

We seem to be living in hard times. World leaders are fretting over an economic slowdown. But I have a secret treasure. It brings me peace and security. Colossians tells us about “the glorious riches of this mystery” (1:27), “the full riches of complete understanding” (2:2), “the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (2:3).

What is this secret source of wealth? For a start, it’s not a “what” but a “who” – Jesus Christ, the fullness of God and my fullness as well (2:9-10). No part of my life is empty. Jesus is in it, and He’s here to stay.

God is the Father of my Lord (1:3). I committed myself to Him (1:4) after one of His servants shared Jesus with me (1:7). Ever since, I’ve tried to please Him by the way I live (1:10).

Since God has made me a citizen of His kingdom (1:13) I follow His rule. For me the life of Jesus pictures God at work (1:15). From creation, through the Cross, in the Church, and on to the culmination of all things, Jesus is the foremost person of reference – and I’m His friend (1:20).

Jesus exchanged my poor clothes for His perfect ones (1:22). And more good news – Jesus has enough new clothes for everyone (1:23).

The body of Christ still suffers here on earth because we live for the future with Jesus in His heaven (1:24-27). I may not have much, but what I have in Christ is of immense value. Jesus is worth far more than any temporary property.

I want to become a more mature Christian (1:28) with a full grasp on my Savior (2:3). I’m thankful His hold on me is stronger than mine on Him (2:4).

I don’t want to stand still in Christ, but I do want to stand firm in Him (2:5-6). I trust the hidden growth Jesus gives in my devotional life to produce visible growth so that others may see Jesus in me (2:6-7).

I want to avoid robbers stealing my treasure (2:8). I’m willing to share my riches with everyone, including those who will cut out the rubbish from their thinking and then cultivate our rich “Jesus-resource” for themselves (2:11-12).

I want to live today “with Christ” (2:13, 2:20) and “in Christ” (2:17). My life is focused on my spiritual wealth (3:1-3). I know I will be gobsmacked (British for “utterly astonished”) by the reality of Jesus’ physical presence. When He comes back it will be better than I ever imagined it to be (3:4).

Since Jesus is everything worthwhile (3:11), I let His presence overwhelm me with a quiet peace, regardless of whatever else is going on (3:15). Whether the world around me agrees or not, whatever Jesus says, I try to do (3:16).

In my family life, work life and church life – which are all one life anyway – I “do ... all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (3:17). I’ll never lose out by doing this.

My ultimate inheritance is secure from inflation, devaluation and a stock market crash. It is untouchable by any form of corruption (3:23-24). My life’s fulfillment and my daily satisfaction come from serving my Master (3:24). Jesus is my untaxable wealth beyond measure!

By Colin Salter