Let’s take a moment to reflect on something deeper than the shiny allure of wealth. In this fast-paced, money-obsessed society, it’s so easy to get pulled into the seductive grip of materialism. Let me ask you this: what’s the most you’ve ever spent on a pair of shoes? Now imagine spending $17 million—yes, you heard me right—$17 million on a pair of stilettos. I’m talking about gold-draped, diamond-encrusted shoes designed to flash more wealth than some entire communities ever see. This status symbol signifies being wealthy, right?  Don’t answer just yet, We will answer this by the end. 

Now, many of us aren’t dropping $17 million on shoes, but what about all the things you’ve got piling up in your closet, collecting dust? Think about it. All the gadgets, all the designer clothes you barely wear, all the things you’ve accumulated. What would it look like if you added up their cost and asked yourself—how could I have used that wealth differently? Could it have served a higher purpose?

The False Allure of Materialism

We live in a society that glorifies possessions, my friends. The world tells you that your worth is tied to what you own. The luxury cars, the name-brand clothes, the Instagram-worthy vacation homes—they’re sold to us as the keys to happiness and success. But oh, how hollow that promise is! As believers in Christ, we are called to a higher standard. We’re not here to stockpile material goods; we’re here to seek a deeper fulfillment, one that transcends the shallow promises of this world.

Jesus speaks to us in the 23rd Psalm, reminding us: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Oh, let that sink in for a moment! If the Lord is truly our Shepherd, then what more could we possibly need? His goodness and mercy chase after us. When we pursue Jesus, everything else fades into the background. We find joy, peace, and contentment in Him, not in our possessions.

Where is Your Heart?

But let’s dig deeper, because I know some of you reading this may have wealth. Maybe you own the jets, the mansions, the vacation homes. And maybe you’ve felt people giving you the side-eye, making you feel guilty for what you have. But here’s the thing: wealth in itself isn’t the problem. The real question is—where is your heart?

Do you remember the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22? He asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. And when Jesus told him to sell his possessions and give to the poor, the young man walked away sad, because he was attached to his wealth. Jesus wasn’t condemning the man for being rich. He was revealing what the man valued more—his money or his Maker.

So, ask yourself: if God asked you to give up everything, would you do it? If your heart resists, if the very thought makes you clutch onto your possessions a little tighter, then maybe it’s time to check where your treasure really lies.

Wealth as a Tool for Service

Now let’s flip this around. Let’s ask the bigger, more important question: What can your wealth do for others? Let me take you back to the story of Milton Hershey. Yes, the chocolate mogul. Hershey was not just a man who knew how to make candy; he was a man who knew how to make a difference. Instead of hoarding his fortune, he built an entire town for his workers. Homes, schools, cultural resources—everything they needed to thrive, he provided. That town, Hershey, Pennsylvania, still stands today, a living testament to the impact of a single man’s generosity.

Now, imagine if Hershey had decided to blow his fortune on something extravagant for himself. What if instead of building that town, he spent $17 million on shoes? Would Hershey, Pennsylvania, even exist today? Probably not. He could have lived a lavish, self-indulgent life, but instead, he chose to serve others. That’s what real wealth looks like—it builds legacies, lifts others up, and creates lasting change.

Where is Your Treasure?

 Matthew 6:33 reminds us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” The world tells us to seek possessions, but Jesus tells us to seek His kingdom first. True freedom isn’t found in the abundance of our material goods; it’s found in our ability to hold those things loosely, trusting that God’s goodness will provide for us. Philippians 4:19 assures us: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”

Whether you have much or little, the question remains the same: where is your treasure? If you are holding onto your wealth so tightly that you can’t see the needs of others, it’s time to reconsider where your heart truly lies. If you’re using your wealth to bless others, to lift up the downtrodden, to advance the kingdom of God—then you are on the right path, my friend. That’s the legacy Jesus calls us to leave.

The Real Treasure: Christ

In this culture that celebrates accumulation, let’s remember that our true treasure is in Christ. Hebrews 13:5 warns us, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” The love of money will never satisfy you, but the love of Christ will fill every empty space in your soul.

Let’s flip the script on wealth. Instead of asking, “What can my wealth do for me?” let’s ask, “What can my wealth do for others?” In serving, in giving, in loving—there, my friends, we find the real riches that no amount of money can ever buy.

So, where is your treasure today? In your bank account, or in the hands of the One who provides for your every need? The choice is yours, and it’s has eternal consequences.