On July 1, USA Today reported that the Ramapo, New York, Police found the body of 79-year-old George Konnight. In the article, Steve Lieberman describes Mr. Konnight as an unusual man. Mr. Konnight had apparently died from health issues. He was found outside his rural house. He had only a few possessions around his property. He lived in a run-down house. He had cut his own firewood for heat. His house had only one light; and if, by chance, you were able to visit, you would have found the house in disarray. You might even think no one lived there. George lived a very simple life. You would probably call him a hermit. He would often be seen by a neighbor walking through the woods. When it was necessary for him to travel beyond the boundaries of his property, he would take a cab. Yet in George Konnight’s small bank account there was $3 million.
Spiritually Underprivileged
Most of us would have a rough time understanding why a man of Mr. Konnight’s wealth would live such a lifestyle. He lived beneath his financial privileges. He was rich, and yet he lived in financial poverty. He was much like those in the Body of Christ who live beneath their spiritual privileges. Often the average Christian has as much despair as those who have no hope for tomorrow. Our complaints are no different than the spiritually needy.
Christ came that we might have abundant life through Him. (John 10:10) This doesn’t mean that all Christians will have BMW’s or Mercedes Benzes in their driveways or healthy bank accounts like George. In spite of the reality of our financial situation, the Word of God describes us as full, rich, and reigning as kings. (1 Corinthians 4:8)
You might be asking, “Where is the bank account?”
The Christian’s Bank Account
It’s in Heaven! We have treasures that are stored up there, a storehouse from which we are free to withdraw on a daily basis. They are riches that far exceed the value of our material possessions, because we can have them when the material possessions run out. These riches are not contingent on circumstances. They are the riches of our Savior’s love, peace, and joy. Even this list is not exhaustive because Galatians reminds us the Fruit of the Spirit in every believer adds “longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.”
A withdrawal from our accounts can even be made during life’s low points. The Apostle Paul described his feelings as he endured hardships in 2 Corinthians 6:10, “As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” At this moment things may not be going as you’ve planned, but don’t forget the riches you have in Christ. Even in your worst situations, in Christ you are still rich. Now go and live accordingly!
By Dr. L.W. Edwards
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