John Seamands – who for many years was a missionary in India – tells of the time he was conducting revival meetings in a large city in northwest India. One day Seamands was invited as a guest to the palace of the ruling prince of India – one of the richest men in the country. He had several Rolls Royce cars in the garage; he was dressed in silk clothes, with priceless diamonds, rubies and emeralds adorning his head dress. Together, the two men ate and drank out of silver vessels. John Seamands was amazed at the display of wealth! But Seamands realized that here was a man who was a spiritual pauper. The prince had just returned from a trip to Europe – and brought back with him a beautiful young night club dancer as his live in companion. The prince had no interest in spiritual matters whatsoever!
The very next day, John Seamands was invited for tea to a very humble Christian home. When he entered the house, the host said to Seamands: “Sir, we have a very humble home; we don’t have much in the things of this world, but we offer you the best hospitality that we have. We are so glad to have you in our home.” Then the man introduced Seamands to his wife, son and two daughters. Seamands soon discovered they were all committed Christians, serving the Lord in various ways. After some light refreshments, the host asked Seamands to read a passage of Scripture and then lead in prayer. When Seamands finished, he said to the father: “My friend, when I entered your home, you said this is a humble home and that you don’t have much in material things. But I want to tell you that you are spiritually rich. There is so much love, faith, and commitment in this home. You are most fortunate to have such a fine Christian home.”
As a pastor, I have personally seen the same kind of thing over and over throughout the years of my ministry. People who are materially rich but spiritual paupers! I have visited in their homes – those who are rich materially but poor spiritually, and those who are poor materially but rich spiritually! To be rich in God is better than to be rich in goods.
The rich young ruler who came to Jesus (Mark 10: 17-22) was rich in body but poor in soul!
What about you today?
(Pastor Lyle Pettit)