Wealth.
Being wealthy isn’t good for your spiritual health. Jesus said it is hard for a wealthy person to enter into the kingdom of God. Why? It has to do with dependency. Children occupy the kingdom. Jesus says those who are powerless, without influence, and without wealth occupy the kingdom. The contrast is clear. The more dependent we are on God; the less power we have; the more our hearts can belong to Him. The disciples tried to keep children away from Jesus and quickly allowed a rich man to approach him. The children had nothing to offer their group. The rich man could become a benefactor. They pushed the powerless away and were astonished when Jesus announced that the wealthy would find it difficult to have access to God. Jesus blessed the children and watched the wealthy walk away. It is better for us to be children than to be wealthy. It is better for us to be powerless than to be influential. These are hard words. Spiritual life is only possible through God. Children understand that. The wealthy look at what they have and have to decide what they want more – God’s kingdom or this world. It can be a difficult choice.