Comparative Values

• 1 min. read • grade level: 3

A very wealthy man took a friend up to the top of his house to show him the extent of his possessions.

Waving his hand about, he said, "There, that is my estate." Then, pointing away, he asked, "Do you see that farm in the distance?" "Yes."

"Well, that is mine."

Pointing in another direction, he said, "Do you see that house?" "Yes."

"That also belongs to me.-

This time his friend pointed and asked, "Do you see that village away out there?"

"Yes."

"Well, there lives a poor woman in that village who can say more than all you have said."

"What can she say?"

"She can say, 'Christ is mine.' "

The rich man looked very puzzled, and said no more. He was glorying in his earthly riches but was not rich toward God. He was not one of those spoken of in James 2:5⁵Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (James 2:5) who are rich in faith. On the contrary, the poor woman had none of this world's riches, but had "unsearchable riches" in Christ. His riches might take wings and fly away, but her riches in Christ are everlasting, and no thief can steal them.