Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

There are so many different types of shows on television. There are comedies, police shows, soap operas, talk shows, reality shows, quiz shows, and many more. What kind of shows do you like to watch? What is your favorite TV show? One of my favorites is "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" Oh, I know it's an old show, but I still like it.

Who wants to be millionaire? Probably most of us would answer yes to that question. A famous comedienne by the name of Sophie Tucker once said, "I've been rich and I've been poor. Believe me, rich is better." I wonder what Jesus would have to say about that?

One day, as Jesus was walking along the road, a rich young man came running up to him. "Good teacher," the man said, "what must I do to have eternal life?"

"You know the commandments," Jesus answered. "'Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not testify falsely. Do not cheat. Honor your father and mother.'"

"I have obeyed those commandments since I was a child" the rich young man replied.

The Bible says that Jesus looked and the young man and loved him. Then he said to him, "You lack only one thing. Sell all you have and give the money to the poor so that you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard those words, he sadly turned and walked away because he had many possessions.

Jesus looked at his disciples and said, "How hard it is for rich people to get into the Kingdom of God!" The disciples were shocked. Jesus continued, "It is very hard to get into the Kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!"

"Then who in the world can be saved?" the disciples asked.

"With man it is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God" Jesus answered.

It was not because he was rich that the young man could not enter the Kingdom. It was because his love for money was more greater than his love for God. If anyone wants to enter the Kingdom of God, he must give God first place in our life.

Who wants to be a millionaire? Maybe that isn't so important after all.

Dear Father, help us to give you first place in our life. Amen.