The Problem of Wealth

Okay, so in Mark 10:17-22 we are told about the rich young ruler.  And Mark continues Peter memory with Mark 10:23-31!  The young man was rebuffed by Jesus for his wealth.  That wealth would eventually become a real problem for him.

Augustine is quoted as having said, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in You."  The worries of this world rarely relent enough to actually allow us to rest.  Wealth, personal relationships, children!, jobs, the daily stresses all rob us of our rest.  But, those whom have wealth have a worse time of it as they stress over losing what they have, or maintaining what their inherited, or worse yet - how to gather more wealth!

Admit You Are Rich
Do you have a place to live?
Do you have a room?
Do you own stuff?
Do you own a car?
Do you own a change of clothes?
Do you have food for tomorrow?

If you answered yes, just once, you are richer than the majority of the population of this planet.  And if you are rich, they you have a bit of responsibility to consider.

Murder The Myth of Wealth
Does money bring happiness?
Does money bring importance?
Does money bring security?
Does money bring God's Blessing?

No, money/wealth/materialism/power are all falsely shown by supposed Christians to be proof of God's approval!
It is a falsehood to look for friends, respect or money as signs of God's blessing on you.

Prosperity versus Poverty ... neither are Biblical proofs of anything.

You must look to your heart to see where you really stand with God.

Realize The Roadblocks Money Creates
It is doubtful that Jesus actually was saying "camel" rather than a rope using in shipping.
However, the ridiculousness of the saying is apparent either way, you can neither stuff a camel or a hope through the eye of a needle. 
It is impossible.
Children were being blocked from hearing Jesus or coming to Him.

The rich can become Christians, but it is very hard.

Consider:
The question of serving two masters
The story of Lazarus and the rich man
The story of the rich fool

It does not look well for a rich man when facing God.

Master Money or Be Mastered By It
God versus wealth - or two conflicting masters!
Matthew 6:21, "...where your treasure is..."
The thought that shows our allegiance is at best shaky towards God.

What is your wealth doing to you?
Which are you actually serving?

See Temporal Things Through Eternal Eyes
The short of it:
The rich are all going to die.
The poor are all going to die.

Not one of us will make it out of this life alive, save for the rapture.

So there is no difference between any of us, in front of God's eyes.
You can live as a slave for God.
Or a slave of money/wealth/materialism.
And you will be rewarded appropriately.