Because They Say, ‘I Am Rich’

“Because They Say, ‘I Am Rich’”

Let us reflect on this profound message from the Lord.

Revelation 3:15-18 (ESV)
“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
For you say, ‘I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,’ not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments to clothe yourself and cover the shame of your nakedness, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.”

These words were addressed to the church in Laodicea, a congregation that symbolizes spiritual lukewarmness—Christians who appear self-sufficient, confident in their material or spiritual status, yet are spiritually poor.

Jesus rebukes them: they think they are rich, but they are poor, blind, and naked. Yet He offers a remedy: “Buy gold refined by fire”.

1. The Paradox of True Riches

This raises a question: how does buying gold make one rich? Would it not be easier if Jesus gave it freely? But the command to buy indicates spiritual investment and sacrifice. True riches in the kingdom of God require giving something up to gain something far greater (cf.

Matthew 16:24-26, ESV: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”).

Jesus is not speaking of material wealth but spiritual wealth—the kind that cannot perish, decay, or be stolen (cf. Matthew 6:19-21, NIV).

2. The Parable of the Pearl: Understanding the Cost

Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV)
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, who, on finding one of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

The merchant represents a wise seeker of the kingdom of God. The pearl, like the gold refined by fire, symbolizes the eternal riches of God’s kingdom. The cost of acquiring it is everything: possessions, pride, sinful habits, and worldly securities.

Theologically, this emphasizes total surrender (κενοῦσις / kenosis): a willing letting go of all self-reliance to embrace Christ fully (Philippians 2:5-8, ESV). Salvation, discipleship, and entrance into the kingdom require a cost—not of earning, but of denial and surrender.

3. Selling All to Gain True Wealth

The parable shows that to gain the pearl, the merchant sells all he has. Spiritually, this reflects:

• Repentance and renunciation of sin

Acts 3:19, KJV: “

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.”)

• Detachment from worldly pride and self-sufficiency

James 4:6, NIV: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

• Sacrificial discipleship

Luke 14:33, NIV:

“In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”)

Without surrendering everything, one cannot “buy” the pearl—just as without renouncing sin and self-reliance, one cannot gain the kingdom of heaven.

4. Practical Spiritual Application

In contemporary terms, “buying the gold” involves:

Repenting of pride, greed, lust, or dishonestyLetting go of unhealthy attachments: materialism, ambition, or reputationCommitting fully to follow Jesus, serving others, and investing in the work of His kingdom

Matthew 6:33, ESV: “

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Matthew 19:20-23 (ESV) illustrates this principle: the young man who followed the law perfectly still needed to sell all his possessions and give to the poor to gain treasure in heaven. Material wealth, knowledge, or perceived self-sufficiency cannot substitute for surrender to Christ.

5. The Ultimate Reward

When we buy the gold through surrender, we gain:

• True riches of the kingdom (Revelation 3:18)

• Eternal security and fellowship with Christ (1 Timothy 6:17-19, NIV)

• Spiritual sight and wisdom to discern truth (Psalm 119:105, ESV)

Theologically, this reflects participation in divine life (2 Peter 1:3-4, ESV): our “investment” in surrender allows God to transform us into vessels of His glory.

Do not be deceived into thinking you are rich and need nothing. True spiritual riches come only through surrender, repentance, and faithful discipleship. Jesus calls you today to:

• Let go of pride, sin, and worldly reliance

• Follow Him fully, trusting in His Spirit

• Invest your life in God’s kingdom, teaching and serving others

As you do, you will become truly rich in the eternal and unshakable wealth of God’s kingdom.

May the Lord bless you richly as you surrender, follow, and invest in Him.

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