Diverse perspectives have existed throughout history regarding money and riches. Material possessions have long been viewed by some Christians as hazardous things that divert attention away from God. Indeed, a wealthy man whose love for his belongings kept him from following Jesus is described in Mark 10:17–31. Furthermore, the apostle Paul describes individuals who strayed from God because their longing for worldly goods was so great in 1 Timothy 6:9. Some view financial prosperity as evidence of God’s favor that can be reaped, while others strive to amass the greatest amount of wealth in order to aid the underprivileged. What then does the Bible really say on this subject?
Wealth is a gift of God
Since God created the cosmos, He is ultimately the owner of everything. He is earth’s ruler. 1 Chronicles 29:12 contains an expression of this fact. “You are the source of honor and wealth, and You are supreme over all.” Power and might are in Your hands, and You have the ability to produce great things and give everyone strength.
It is our duty to take care of ourselves and our families by working hard every day, if at all possible (1 Timothy 5:8–9). We shouldn’t wait for God to make us wealthy while we do nothing. However, we are reliant on God’s favor: “Those who build the house labor in vain unless the Lord builds it.” A watchman watches in vain if the Lord is not watching over the city (Psalm 127:1). If we are fortunate enough to acquire wealth and belongings, we should cherish them and be grateful for them. Knowing that our wealth is a gift from God keeps us from being conceited or haughty.
The wise man Agur, whose sayings we find in the book of Proverbs, believed that having “too much” was dangerous. Then, he feared, he would lose sight of his reliance on the Lord. So he prayed to God:
“Give me neither poverty nor wealth; provide me with the necessities; lest I become satisfied and turn away from you, asking, ‘Who is the Lord?’ or lest I become impoverished and steal, defaming the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:8–9)
The love of money can make us blind to the really important things
The love of money is something that 1 Timothy 6:7-8 forbids. “We will be content if we have food and clothing,” the statement reads. But why is wanting more considered a bad thing? The solution is as straightforward as it is radical: “No one can serve two masters because he will either be loyal to one and loathe the other, or he will hate the one and love the other. Money and God cannot coexist” (Matthew 6:24).
Among churchgoers, the apostle Paul witnessed the results of attempting to serve two masters. Rich people fell prey to temptation; their longing for worldly goods was so great that it caused them to stray from God. Paul also saw that their “ruin and destruction” would result from their breaking their relationship with God (1 Timothy 6:9–10).
As a result, he claims that the source of all evil is the love of money. Not because money is terrible in and of itself, but rather because our hearts are diverted from more significant things by our desire for money. Rich people are more likely to compromise their moral principles or give up all the time and energy they would otherwise devote to serving God.
God does not promise his servants material prosperity
There are many who believe that [serving the Lord will inevitably result in material wealth] immediately. However, Jesus makes no indication that this would happen. Yes, there are plenty of instances of individuals who have been blessed materially. God can provide for us in any way. However, the primary focus of Biblical blessing is on an individual’s relationship with God. Blessings from the spirit are considerably more valuable than cash, gold, or silver.
Jesus does, however, assure us that He will “repay” us for everything we sacrifice for Him. Our dedication to the Lord can have a negative impact on both material goods and family ties. Consider missionaries who uproot their lives to share the gospel in other places. Alternatively, consider Christians who are persecuted for their faith. Being a devoted disciple can come with a price! However, Jesus tells us that it’s all worthwhile. His offspring will obtain everlasting life and be rewarded “a hundredfold” for what they gave up to follow Jesus.
We should use our money to promote righteousness
Power comes from money. Politicians and other officials accept bribes from all over the world. Since these exact high interests, moneylenders take advantage of the poor. God disapproves of these actions. “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him,” the prophet even forbids the Israelites from charging interest to others. (Exodus 22:25).
This commandment does not automatically apply to the capitalist investment system, in which individuals borrow money from banks to establish their businesses or purchase pricey machinery, for example. This may be a legitimate business strategy unrelated to exploitation. God’s commandment concerns those who are impoverished and in need of money to meet their fundamental necessities.
Nehemiah 5 is an example of how impoverished Jews were taken advantage of by their brethren. They were mortgaging their houses, vineyards, and farms, and some of them even had to sell their children as slaves in order to buy food. Their circumstances were dire. Nehemiah urged the wealthy to halt these actions and return the items they had been requesting.
The Bible places a great importance on generosity. Wealthy people are urged “to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” in 1 Timothy 6:18. While the Bible does not mandate that we give the needy a specific portion of our belongings, it does make it quite evident that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Being rich in God
The most significant thing in the world is not material wealth. According to Matthew 6:20, Jesus refers to “treasures in heaven” as an improved alternative. This is “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,” according to the apostle Peter (1 Peter 1:4). Knowing Christ, our Lord, is the greatest “treasure.” Everything else is nothing compared to Him.
In the end, material wealth cannot satisfy us and, moreover, loses value when we pass away. When we pass away, it won’t go with us. (In fact, we won’t need to, as Revelation 21:21 states that even the streets of the new Jerusalem will be made entirely of gold. However, the benefits of having eternal life and the “treasures in heaven” are unending.
