Let me qualify this post so no one misunderstands: there is nothing wrong with money and there is nothing wrong with being rich. Both are often used by God to do great things.
That being said, let's get back to the passage. Why does Jesus say this about it being so dificult for a rich person to get into heaven?
Because of the heart. When we desire to be rich, when we desire money, we are already falling into deception. Even if we are strong believers we can really mess up what God can do through us if we begin wishing and desiring money and riches.
"the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." Matthew 13:22b
"But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all (the evils), and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang." 1 Timothy 6:9-10
The desire for money or riches is not from God. If we act on a desire that isn't from God, we are going the wrong way. Desiring riches gets our eyes off what's important. Desiring money gets us living in our minds and in the future rather than in the present.
I speak as one who knows what happens when you desire money. I have. There have been times in my marriage we have been so broke that I didn't know how we'd feed our kids, pay our bills, make it to the next day. Instead of using these times as getting my faith strengthened, I tried to figure out how to make money.
This never worked for our family!
Or, I'd try to figure out how to scrounge for money to buy food or whatnot. This just put us into debt. God was there all the time, and it wasn't like I wasn't praying. I just would pray, "God please provide" and then I'd try to figure it out on my own.
Don't do anything just for the money.
I've finally learned. God is so good to continue to give us the same lesson over and over until we learn it. When we are in need we believe our Heavenly Father will take care of it. We do what He calls us to do and we wait on Him.
Read the verse from Matthew 13 again (in blue). Worry also deceives. If you are like so many people, you will catch yourself worrying about money.
Don't.
It is that simple.
Just don't worry about money ever. Don't worry about provision ever. Believe in God's great love and goodness and be content wiht where you are. It can be a bit scary, quite challenging but when you truly live it, it is freedom! Be free in Christ!!!