The Richest Kid in the World – July 29, 2026
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith. Grace be with you all. 1 Timothy 6:17-21
The Richest Kid in the World
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
David Lee Edwards won a $27 million lottery, but only five years later, all that money was gone, and he was living in a storage shed with his wife. Imagine having millions of dollars—enough to buy enormous houses, fancy cars, and almost anything you wanted—and then losing it all! Other lottery winners have had the same thing happen to them.
I guess money doesn’t last forever.
Then why do so many people chase after money as if it is the magic wand that will solve every problem, make them happy forever, and never run out? Because every one of us has a sinful nature. Our sinful selves are attracted to things we can see, hold, buy, and enjoy right now. God’s treasures may not be things we can hold in our hands, but they are much more valuable—and they last forever.
This is not a new problem. More than 2,000 years ago the apostle Paul wrote, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth” (1 Timothy 6:17). Paul did not say that having money is sinful. Money is one of God’s gifts, and it can be used in wonderful ways. The danger comes when we trust money more than we trust God.
God wants you to be rich—just not only in things that can break, disappear, or be taken away. Be rich in something that lasts. Paul said it like this, “Command [them] . . . to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment . . . to be rich in good deeds . . . In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
“Everything” means that our money, food, clothing, homes, toys, and everything are gifts from God. We can enjoy them and thank him for them. But those blessings are only for our life here on earth.
Now look even farther—past this life and the way into eternity. There you can see God’s greatest treasures. We are sinners who could never earn a place in heaven or save ourselves. So God gave us something no amount of money could ever buy: Jesus, our Savior. Because of him, God freely gives us forgiveness and eternal life.
So be rich in things that last! Adults invest in “forever” when they use that money to support Christian education. Parents invest when they bring their family to worship and Sunday school. Friends are “rich in good deeds” when they use their time and talents to help others. You become spiritually rich whenever you spend time with God in his Word.
So, who is the richest kid in the world? You may not have the most money or the coolest stuff. But if Jesus is your Savior, that makes every child of God—including you—one of the richest kids in the world.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help us put our hope in you instead of money or possessions. Make us rich in faith, rich in good deeds, and rich in the treasures that last forever. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Does money last forever?
- What do we have that WILL last forever?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Name some earthly treasures—things we can own or buy. Who gives us those blessings?
- Name some spiritual treasures—gifts from God that money can’t buy. Who blesses us with those?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- If someone watched how you use your time, spend your money, and serve with your talents, what would they conclude is most valuable to you?
- Make a list of at least ten spiritual treasures Jesus gives us for free that are more precious than anything money can buy. (Possible examples include forgiveness, faith, peace with God, prayer, God’s Word, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Christian friends, purpose, and eternal life.)
