“Similar to a spirited butterfly erupting from the care of a cocoon, relational riches are the life-giving outcomes of a spiritually rich life.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 1, 2023
And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? Luke 16:11
I was in a career transition years ago and felt insecure about my next season of serving the Lord. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit led me to serve with Howard Dayton, who would become my mentor for the next seven years and who still influences me to this day. Howard’s email signature was Luke 16:11, which he taught with his written words and lived out in his life. His writings explained how true riches are spiritual and relational, and he modeled for me in generous living how God’s word and God’s people will live on into eternity. So, I learned my primary purpose in life is to invest in spiritual and relational riches. Not ignore worldly wealth, but leverage the riches of this world for the next world. Where moth and rust do not corrupt or thieves break in to steal, as Jesus taught. Heavenly riches follow the wise use of earthly riches!
Scripture has a lot to say about spiritual riches: “The riches of His glory.” Ephesians 3:16. “The riches of His wisdom and knowledge.” Romans 11:33, “The riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering.” Romans 2:4, and “The riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7; 2:7. Access to these riches is through faith in Christ, who died for our sins. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes, He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9. Spiritual riches bear the fulfilling fruit of relational riches. As we abide in the Lord’s love, we are compelled by love to love generously.
Spiritual riches are being loved by God and loving God, while relational riches are being loved by people and loving people. Scripture once again speaks charitably of relational riches; “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” Proverbs 17:6. “Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house.” Psalm 128:3. “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:11. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17.
Relational riches, like dollar-cost averaging money, bear fruit over time and also compound exponentially in value over diverse seasons of your life. Relational riches bring joy and peace.
Pray and plan to invest in spiritual and relational riches, the true riches in God’s economy. A heart full of the love of God is a healthy heart, so exercise your heart muscles in silence and solitude. Those sweet moments of time may seem insignificant at the moment, but any time invested in the divine community of Father, Son, and Spirit heals the heart and primes the mind with wisdom and discernment. Little steps of daily obedience add up to giant leaps of faith as you follow God’s will for your life. The spiritual riches of wisdom are not a formula but are transcendent through grateful praise and worship to God while applying His word and learning through life experiences. Grace also grows in a humble heart, totally trusting in the Lord’s love.
Similar to a spirited butterfly erupting from the care of a cocoon, relational riches are the life-giving outcomes of a spiritually rich life. A life loved well…cannot…not love well. Friends and family are viewed as precious people created in God’s image in need of prayer and ministry. Show me your friends, and you will show me your future. The relationally rich experience life with friends over decades. The compound interest in each other’s lives grows exponentially into the dearest of loving relationships. A relationally rich life is on the lookout for strangers as divine appoints discerning how they might be served, in Jesus’ name. Also, seek out mentors who can help guide you in God’s ways, and you can be a mentor to help another along the way. Each season has its own unique challenges and opportunities, so be willing to reallocate time in your relational portfolio so you can love and serve best…those who know and love you best.
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:18-19).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I celebrate my spiritual riches in Christ and the rich relationships that fill my life through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name.
Application
What reallocations of time do I need to make in my relational portfolio?
Related Reading
Proverbs 11:19; Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 6:38; Romans 5:17
Worship Resource
Davy Flowers ft. Worship Initiative: Oh But God
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