Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

I was told one Sunday, when a pastor was preaching on this passage, that there was a gate to a city wall that might have been 2.5 to 3 feet tall and pretty narrow. It was called the eye of the needle. Kids could go through it, and smaller men one at a time. It might compare to a large dog door today.

In comparison to the massive wall and its gaudy gates, it probably seemed like the eye of an actual needle. I like to picture a camel on its belly, trying to squeeze through this narrow and short gate. It would nudge one side an inch forward, then the next. Its humps would get bumped the whole time.

When Jesus says this to his disciples, it probably came as a shock. The rich in Jewish society got all the best seats, recognition, and deference in the courts, at times. On the outside, it might seem like they had it all together and should be modeled after. But it is like Jesus is saying, “No! The rich should be pitied”.

Why? Because most of the time, in the pursuit of earthly riches, they neglect justice and mercy issues, lack compassion, and are not very generous in comparison to poor people. I have seen this play out many times in my life. Some of the most generous people I know are poor.

Jesus calls out the rich, saying that with man, on their own initiative, riches corrupt and keep us from God. But he also has a big caveat … with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

God can change our perspective on wealth if we let his Spirit move in our hearts. We can see wealth as an opportunity to share more and invest in eternal significance initiatives.

I have some friends who I like to invest in. One cares for kids who have aged out of the foster care system, but are developmentally still young. He finds mentors for them, helps them turn the corner on bad behaviors and live a life with purpose. They also, with permission, talk about a personal relationship with Jesus. Some also decide to follow Jesus!

Another friend lets poor inner-city kids in for free, to his martial arts dojo. He teaches them martial arts and the principles of the Bible, together with discipline, self-defense, and respect.

Another friend works at the rescue mission, which helps homeless and addicts gain a new lease on life.

So if I get a lot of money, will I just spend it on the next biggest house or a new boat or motorhome? Or will I invest more heavily in changed lives?

Lord, help me to hold loosely to my money, recognizing that you are the ultimate source of my resources and that it is through your blessings that I succeed. Teach me to generously support people and ministries that give me a multiplied investment return of changed lives for eternity.