Rich People in Heaven

Dear Victorious,

When Jesus said that it would be easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven, what exactly did He mean by that? I can't believe that God would hold someone's wealth against them and prevent them from entering heaven just because they're rich!

Keith C. - Tampa, FL

Dear Keith,

You shouldn't believe that God would hold someone's wealth against them. He wouldn't. After all, He is the source of our wealth. What Jesus was saying though is that rich people have a tendency to let money get out of its proper perspective. And when they do, they become controlled by their money. They have an improper regard for the money. Consequently, they have also have an improper regard for God. This is what keeps them from getting into heaven.

It isn't a sin to be wealthy. But it is a sin to rely on your wealth, be proud of your wealth, be selfish with your wealth, think that you deserve your wealth, be blinded to the truth by your wealth, ignore God and His ways in favor of your wealth, etc. And sin that isn't dealt with (i.e., repented of) is what keeps mankind from seeing heaven.