I counsel many people, Christians and Non-Christians alike, and I often have to deliver a difficult message:
The pursuit of wealth is sinful.
What? That sounds so un-American. So anti-free enterprise. So socialistic. Perhaps, but it’s biblical.
“Do not weary yourself to gain wealth. Cease from your consideration of it.”
Proverbs 23:4
“For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil…”
1 Timothy 6:10
And it certainly isn’t the only topic that Jesus preached on that flew directly in the face of societal norms (then and now).
It is difficult to reconcile, however. Does this mean that wealthy people aren’t saved?
“…it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Matthew 19:24
Does it mean that we shouldn’t invest God’s money with the goal of becoming financially independent? Does God want us to give away all of His money?
I don’t believe so. Other scripture references help us put the previous verses in context. For example:
We know that we are to use God’s blessings to provide for our families.
“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, especially his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
1 Timothy 5:8
We also know that many Godly figures (Abraham, Job, Joseph of Arimathea to name a few) throughout the old and new testaments had considerable wealth.
Additionally, we know that God approves of and delights in our planning efforts.
“Look carefully then how you walk. Live purposely and worthily and accurately.. as wise– sensible, intelligent people; making the very most of the time…”
Ephesians 5:15-16
So what then may we conclude?
Our Lord and Savior demands and deserves first place in the life of all believers. Through faith, we are to trust in God’s provision for us and to prayerfully and submissively pursue His plan for us (utilizing our spiritual gifts and talents). All of God’s gifts and blessings are to be thoroughly enjoyed, while giving praise and thanks for what he has done for us.
A by-product of this faithful obedience will most certainly be riches beyond our wildest dreams; some of which may be experienced in this life, with an overwhelming abundance to come in the next.
