There are so many different views on wealth today, it’s almost comical. Some people feel like you must be cursed if you don’t have a million dollars in the bank, others feel like it would be a curse to have that kind of money sitting around. Again we have thoughts that are completely opposite, and both are very much alive among believers.
In reality, wealth can be a blessing or a curse. It can be used to advance God’s kingdom, or used in evil or selfish ways. Some Christians have been ruined by money, others are being ruined because they don’t have any. Some remain committed to the cause despite their wealth, while others become distracted and fall away. Some serve God faithfully with next to nothing, others become discouraged and lose their faith. I don’t think we should be making excuses on either side of the fence, as some are prone to do. Some rich people like to act poor sometimes. I think it eases the conscience somehow. And isn’t it funny how someone who is struggling financially will try to impress you by looking good, or buying things they can’t afford?
Personally, I like what Proverbs 30:8-9 says: “Lord don’t give me poverty, lest I turn to stealing… Don’t give me riches, lest I disown or deny you.” That sounds like the middle of the road to me. I’ve come to realize that money can’t make me happy, but it is necessary to have some (I won’t reach too many people without it).
And then there is the question of “selling out.” What exactly was Jesus saying when He told someone to leave everything and follow Him? I don’t think we can lump everyone together on this one, because some people are on their way up, and some are on their way down. What I mean is, there are some who “sold out” a long time ago, and God has replanted and replenished them in fulfillment of the promise given in Mark 10:29-30. “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or fathers or mothers or children or fields for My sake or for the sake of the Gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time… along with persecutions — and in the eternal age to come.” (CSB) For those who are clearly hearing a present day call to forsake everything for Him, just do whatever He tells you to do (without thinking everyone around you needs to do the same). When you respond to your calling, you challenge all those who haven’t fully responded to theirs, so don’t be shocked if some people are not very supportive. Some may even think you’ve lost your mind.
The right perspective on wealth is clearly spelled out in the Bible. For example… Don’t become envious of what others have — Don’t fall in love with your possessions — Be faithful in the little things — Work patiently and steadily toward your goals — Love God with all your heart — Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven — Remember the poor, and so on — If we practice these Kingdom principles, we will experience Kingdom promises. God will take a little and turn it into a lot. He will bless you so you can bless others. He wants us to be the example others can follow, and I think it is imperative that we show the world a balanced, middle of the road approach. It’s become real clear to me that God calls people to different things at different times. Take Abraham versus John the Baptist for example. These two have very little in common besides the fact that they both responded to a unique and difficult calling, and faithfully served the Lord (which of course, is the most important thing). Find your niche and go for it. Don’t worry so much about the next guy. I’m not suggesting you become an “island” or a “lone ranger,” just be okay if you are not “keeping up with the Jones’”. Maybe you’re not supposed to. And who knows, maybe the Jones’ aren’t doing all that well on the inside anyway.
A good way to keep things in perspective is to remember that our possessions are only borrowed. They belong to God, and they are only temporary.