Forsyth County was recently revealed as the richest county in Georgia with the median household income over $101,000 (State median $55K) where nearly 52% have at least a bachelor’s degree (State 30%). Thus, many of us live in comfort and material blessing with wealth that is far beyond the rest of the world.

However, instead of a blessing this could be debated as a roadblock to following Christ. I prefer to view it as an opportunity for Him to work in and through us to reach our community and beyond. Even though it’s difficult for a rich person to become a follower of Christ, it’s not impossible for God (See Matthew 19:16-26). God has uniquely placed us where we live for a reason. We are to glorify Him with our lives by spreading His fame by making disciples of Jesus Christ while being good stewards of the resources He’s provided. 

So, how are we doing in the areas of giving, serving, and reaching our community with the gospel? Do we need to make some changes? Are we stuck in the race to keep up, busying ourselves to pile up earthly treasure, or are we forsaking the world’s idea of riches in order to produce heavenly treasure? Is it for our fame or God’s fame?  

Consider this quote from John Piper:

If Christ is an all-satisfying treasure and promises to provide all our needs, even through famine and nakedness, then to live as though we had all the same values as the world would betray him. I have in mind mainly how we use our money and how we feel about our possessions. I hear the haunting words of Jesus, “Do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things” (Matthew 6:31-32). In other words, if we look like our lives are devoted to getting and maintaining things, we will look like the world, and that will not make Christ look great. He will look like a religious side-interest that may be useful for escaping hell in the end, but doesn’t make much difference in what we live for and love here. He will not look like an all-satisfying treasure. And that will not make others glad in God.

If we want to make people glad in God, our lives must look as if God, not possessions, is our joy. Our lives must look as if we use our possessions to make people glad in God—especially the most needy.

From Piper’s book: Don’t Waste Your Life