The rich man felt that by throwing a few crumbs of bread to Lazarus he had fulfilled the Law of Love. He could claim that he fed the poor, but God did not see it that way. We should be more concerned about God's observations. Wealth can turn our eyes from God. Instead of wanting to fast and pray, we want to laugh and play.
Life can become one long, happy time of self indulgence.
Today, the church is plagued by leaders who capitalize upon people's insatiable love for money. The gospel some preach is simply a message that if you come to Jesus, He will make you financially rich. Many are flocking to this gospel which clearly puts the material before the spiritual. They are not developing the type of prayer life that brings the presence and power of God into the church. As a result, this false gospel does not produce the fruit of the Spirit in the lives of its followers.