Profit without the Pitfalls. Worship: September 28, 2025

Though it sounds like a contradiction, the “poor rich man” in today’s parable of Jesus apparently never really heard or just ignored the dire warning of God’s prophets like Amos against trusting in earthly gain and riches to the exclusion of trusting faith in the merciful promises of God. The temptation of earthly wealth infects all people throughout history to this day, regardless of outward circumstances, rich and poor alike. Paul sums up the challenge for faith as he contrasts the “great gain” (or profit) of godly faithfulness and the temptations (or pitfalls) of temporary riches. We all know the sentence of Paul, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10), which is so often misquoted as only “money is the root of all evil.” Money is not the problem. There’s no sin in possessing earthly riches. The deeper question is what or who is the object of our love and trust. The Christian’s true riches are in Christ Jesus, namely, the new life we have been given through our baptismal faith. It is the life we can take with us through and beyond the grave and gate of death. “Praise the LORD, O my soul! I will praise the LORD as long as I live” (Psalm 146:1–2), which will be forever!