https://odb.org/MY/2021/09/20/an-unexpected-guest
When we read the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), we could compare Zacchaeus’ response with that of the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-22), in that while the former became selfless after meeting Jesus, the latter remained selfish and self righteous. Both were wealthy and were rulers (Zacchaeus being the Chief Tax Collector). The Rich Young Ruler was a law abiding religious Jew who kept the law since he was a boy while Zacchaeus was despised as a betrayer of his people for collecting taxes for the Romans.
I think the point that we should take note is that we must change after meeting Jesus, we cannot remain in our old self. In Zacchaeus’ case, Jesus declared that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house for his act of repentance in giving half of his wealth to the poor and for his willingness to repay back 4 times anyone whom he had cheated.
As for the issue of wealth, whether it is through hardwork, a better education, boldness to take risks or just plain inheritance, I think there is no real harm having wealth as believers. I know Jesus said that it is more difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven in the case of the Rich Young Ruler. But we also know that while with man some things are not possible, with God nothing is impossible. Furthermore, salvation is by the grace of God and not by works. On the other hand, we know that faith without works is dead.
As believers who have known grace through salvation, we must likewise be gracious to others and thus when it comes to wealth, we should look at it as a blessing from God. Without God giving us the opportunity or allowing us to have the education or the break (like finding the right job at the right company where we excel or finding the right business that we do well) or being born into a wealthy family, we will probably not be where we are today. Therefore, hold lightly to our money if we are well off so that if Christ prompts, we will not be unwilling to part with it to help someone who is in need. Let our hearts be moved by God and compassion. Yes, there is a need to save up for our future, for our children’s education and for our old age. Yet there could be more pressing needs of others in the present. Let God bless others through us and let us use our earthly wealth to gather riches in heaven. If we can’t spare the effort or the time, support the cause with our finance. Everyone has a role to play in the Kingdom of God. If everyone goes full time and live by faith, who will then support us? Thus there will always be a need for more of us to work and earn, to support the church and ministries in the Kingdom.
Ronnie's Thoughts 