The Poor Rich Man
THE POOR RICH MAN
Read 1 Timothy 6:9-11, 17-18.
Jason whistled as he rang the doorbell of the big house on the hill.
Mr. Atkins jerked the door open and stood there, frowning. “What do you want?”
“I’m Jason Parker, your new paperboy. I’d like to collect five dollars for the paper.”
“And I suppose you expect a tip. Well, you aren’t going to get it!” The old man counted out the exact amount and slammed the door.
Jason’s next stop was Ms. Patterson’s little house. “Yes? Oh, it’s the new paperboy. I’ll get your money.” Soon she was back with the money and a plastic bag. “I appreciate getting the paper on my porch. I’d like to give you a tip, but I don’t have any extra money. So I put some homemade cookies in this bag.”
Later Jason told his mother about Mr. Atkins. “Poor old man,” was her response.
“Poor?” Jason snorted. “He’s rich!”
“He’s also poor,” replied Mom. “He has made lots of money. But he has turned his back on God and on his friends.”
When Jason told his mother about Ms. Patterson, she smiled. “Everyone loves her. She may not have much money, but she’s what the Bible would call ‘rich in good works.’ She’s also rich in friends. She’s a good example of the way Christians ought to love and care for others.”
“So Mr. Atkins is a poor rich man, and Ms. Patterson is a rich poor lady,” Jason decided.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you want to be rich? There’s nothing wrong with money, but a strong desire for lots of money is dangerous. Don’t make the mistake of thinking money brings happiness. There is a better kind of “riches.” Invest your time and efforts in making friends, helping others, and serving the Lord.
TO MEMORIZE:
Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.
1 Timothy 6:18
MONEY DOESN’T BRING HAPPINESS.
From the book
