Rich vs Poor

Do you think the pros outweigh the cons if one has wealth?

This question became very relevant after reading Jesus’ story about the Rich Man and Lazarus. I say relevant because of the drive of the majority in America to gain wealth. For instance, millions of Americans play the lottery. Why? The lottery offers a chance to gain more money while only risking a few dollars. Yet, lottery statistics demonstrate that Americans spent $105.26 billion in 2023.  Based on these numbers, the majority prioritizes the efforts to obtain wealth. Yet, 70% of lottery winners go bankrupt within a few years after gaining their wealth. (National Endowment for Financial Education) So, the bottom line indicates that when a majority gains wealth, this gain reflects sumptuous living, leading to a detriment.

Remember, Lazarus and the Rich Man lived contrasting lives. Lazarus’s life represented one who had a need that went unfulfilled. Simultaneously, the Rich Man had no need and lived sumptuously while overlooking Lazarus’ need. Sumptuous in Greek is lamprōs, which means splendidly and magnificently. Therefore, living sumptuously means living extremely well or in a way that exceeds the average. Neither of the two men lived average, but both lived extreme lives at opposite ends of the spectrum. In this story, the need factor or the sumptuous factor does not matter as much as the factor of response. For instance, Father Abraham's dialogue with the Rich Man illuminates the most essential aspect of the story: the response.

Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. Luke 16:29 KJV

This verse is not saying that Moses or the prophets are the ones to explain how to avoid the torment that Rich Man is experiencing. Instead, Moses represents the Law, and the prophets signify the different revelations from God in the Old Testament. During the Transfiguration scene in the New Testament, you will notice that Jesus converses with Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets). This scene depicts the exact words spoken by Abraham, but Jesus is now the focal point. Therefore, Jesus provides the understanding and guidance necessary to avoid the Rich Man's torment. Instead of concentrating on wealth to enhance sumptuous living, Jesus provides salvation for the rich and the poor. So, even if the pros of wealth outweigh the cons, it is irrelevant if you fail to respond to Jesus' path of salvation. Your response will lead to either torment or comfort in the afterlife.

Your Response will lead to torment or comfort in the afterlife.