As Christians, we are taught to live a life of humility and simplicity. We are often told that the love of money is the root of all evil, and that we should not lay up treasures on earth. But does this mean that it is wrong for a Christian to want to be rich? In this article, we will explore this topic in depth, and examine what the Bible has to say about it.
1. Defining Riches
Before we can answer the question of whether it is wrong for a Christian to want to be rich, we must first define what we mean by “riches.” Is it wrong to want to be financially secure and comfortable? Is it wrong to want to provide for one’s family and have a comfortable lifestyle? Or are we talking about an insatiable desire for wealth, power, and material possessions?
The Bible warns us against the love of money, not money itself. In 1 Timothy 6:10, we read that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” This means that it is the love of money that is the problem, not money itself. Money can be a useful tool to do good in the world, but it can also be a source of great temptation and corruption.
2. Wealth and Contentment
One of the key teachings of Jesus is that we should not worry about material possessions, but trust in God to provide for our needs. In Matthew 6:19–21, Jesus says:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus is not saying that we should be poor and destitute, but rather that we should not place our trust and security in material possessions. In Philippians 4:11–13, the apostle Paul writes:
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Paul’s words remind us that our true source of contentment and strength comes from God, not from our wealth or possessions. Whether we are rich or poor, we can find contentment and joy in our relationship with Christ.
God gives us the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). It is Jesus Christ who strengthens us and fills us with his joy and peace. He is the source of our hope and our salvation. He is the one who loves us unconditionally and who never leaves us nor forsakes us. He is the Lord of all creation and the King of kings. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
3. The Danger of Greed
While it is not wrong to desire financial security and comfort, we must be careful not to fall into the trap of greed. In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns against the danger of covetousness, saying:
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Greed is a dangerous and insidious sin that can take hold of our hearts and lead us away from God. In 1 Timothy 6:9–10, Paul writes:
“People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
These words remind us that the desire for wealth can lead us down a path of destruction, causing us to lose sight of our true priorities and values.
4. Stewardship and Giving
As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources that God has given us. This means that we should use our wealth and possessions to do good in the world and to help those in need. In 1 Timothy 6:17–19, Paul writes:
“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.”
These words remind us that our wealth and possessions are a gift from God and that we should use them to bless others and build up the Kingdom of God. Giving generously and sacrificially is an important part of our Christian walk and can bring us great joy and fulfillment.
5. Balancing Material and Spiritual Needs
So, is it wrong for a Christian to want to be rich? The answer is not a simple yes or no. The desire for financial security and comfort is not inherently sinful, but it can become a stumbling block if we allow it to become an obsession or a source of pride. As Christians, we must always be mindful of the dangers of greed and materialism and prioritize our spiritual needs above our material wants.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This means that we should prioritize our relationship with God above our desire for wealth or possessions. When we seek first God’s kingdom, he promises to provide for our needs and bless us in abundance.
How to Use Riches in a Godly Way
Zacchaeus was a rich man but still showed his faith and repentance by giving half of his possessions to the poor and restoring four times as much to anyone he had cheated. Jesus commended him and said that salvation had come to his house. (Luke 19:1-10) Therefore, being rich is not a sin, but how we use our riches matters to God. We should not be greedy, selfish, or dishonest, but generous, faithful, and honest. We should also not trust in our riches but in God, who provides us with everything we need. (1 Timothy 6:17–19)
10 Tips for Using Your Christian Wealth in a Godly Way
God has blessed you with riches, but how can you use them in a way that honors Him and serves His purposes? Here are 10 tips based on biblical principles that can help you manage your money God’s way.
- Remember that it is God’s money. Everything we have comes from God and belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1). We are only stewards of His resources, and we will be accountable for how we use them (Luke 16:2). Therefore, we should seek His guidance and wisdom in our financial decisions, and acknowledge Him as the source of our wealth (Proverbs 3:9–10).
- Budget wisely. The Bible doesn’t use the term budgeting, but it teaches the importance of planning ahead and being faithful with what we have (Luke 14:28–30; Proverbs 21:5). A budget is a tool that helps us allocate our income according to our priorities, needs, and goals. It also helps us avoid overspending, wasting, or hoarding our money.
- Tithe faithfully. Tithing is giving a tenth of our income to the Lord as an act of worship and gratitude for His provision (Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:10). Tithing acknowledges God’s ownership of our money and supports His work through the church and other ministries. Tithing also protects us from the love of money and greed and invites God’s blessing into our lives (Proverbs 3:9–10; Luke 6:38).
- Save some for a “rainy day”. The Bible encourages us to save for the future as a way of being prudent and prepared for unexpected situations (Proverbs 6:6–8; 21:20). Saving is not a lack of faith but a wise use of God’s gifts. Saving also helps us avoid debt, which can enslave us and hinder our generosity (Proverbs 22:7).
- Avoid debt. The Bible warns us about the dangers of borrowing money and being in debt to others (Proverbs 22:7; Romans 13:8). Debt can cause stress, anxiety, and conflict in our lives. It can also limit our ability to give and serve God freely. Therefore, we should avoid debt as much as possible and pay off any existing debt as soon as possible.
- Give unconditionally. The Bible teaches us to give generously, cheerfully, and willingly to those in need without expecting anything in return (2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Luke 6:35). Giving reflects God’s character and love and demonstrates our faith and trust in Him as our provider (John 3:16; Philippians 4:19). Giving also enriches our lives and brings joy to our hearts (Acts 20:35; Proverbs 11:25).
- Be rich in good works. The Bible instructs us to use our wealth not only for ourselves but also for doing good works that glorify God and benefit others (1 Timothy 6:17–19; Ephesians 2:10). Good works include serving, helping, sharing, caring, teaching, preaching, etc. By doing good works, we store up treasures in heaven, where they will last forever (Matthew 6:19–21).
- Be generous and ready to share. The Bible commands us to be generous and willing to share our wealth with others, especially with those who are poor, oppressed, or persecuted (1 Timothy 6:18; Hebrews 13:16). Sharing our wealth shows our compassion and kindness and expresses our solidarity and unity with other members of God’s family (Acts 2:44–45; Galatians 6:10). Sharing also testifies to God’s grace and goodness in our lives (2 Corinthians 9:8–15).
- Enjoy what God has given you. The Bible affirms that God gives us richly all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17). He wants us to be content and grateful for what we have and to enjoy His gifts with moderation and responsibility (Ecclesiastes 5:18–20; Philippians 4:11–13). Enjoying what God has given us does not mean indulging in luxury or extravagance, but rather appreciating His generosity and goodness.
- Seek first God’s kingdom. The Bible reminds us that our ultimate goal and priority in life should be to seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). This means putting God first in everything we do, including our finances. It also means living according to His values and principles, which are often different from the world’s.
Therefore, we should be wise stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us, and use them for His glory and purposes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not inherently wrong for a Christian to want to be rich. However, we must be careful not to let our desire for wealth become an idol, and we must always prioritize our spiritual needs above our material wants. As we seek to be good stewards of the resources that God has given us, may we use our wealth and possessions to bless others and build up the Kingdom of God.
FAQs
- Is it wrong for a Christian to have a high-paying job?
No, it is not inherently wrong for a Christian to have a high-paying job. However, we must be careful not to let our desire for wealth become an idol, and we must always prioritize our spiritual needs above our material wants.
- Is it wrong to enjoy the blessings of wealth and comfort?
No, it is not wrong to enjoy the blessings of wealth and comfort. However, we must be mindful of the dangers of greed and materialism, and we must always be willing to give generously and sacrificially to those in need.
- Can a Christian be rich and still follow Jesus?
Yes, a Christian can be rich and still follow Jesus. However, we must be careful not to let our wealth become a stumbling block, and we must always prioritize our relationship with God above our desire for wealth or possessions.
- What is the difference between financial security and greed?
Financial security is the desire to have enough resources to provide for one’s basic needs and the needs of one’s family. Greed, on the other hand, is an insatiable desire for wealth, power, and material possessions.
- How can we guard against the dangers of greed and materialism?
We can guard against the dangers of greed and materialism by prioritizing our spiritual needs above our material wants, giving generously and sacrificially, and seeking first God’s kingdom and his righteousness.
