Is it Okay for a Christian to be Wealthy? A Biblical Examination

The question of whether a Christian can or should be wealthy is one that has long stirred debate within the Body of Christ. Some contend that true godliness necessitates a life of poverty, citing passages that warn against the dangers of riches. Others argue that God blesses His people abundantly, and wealth can be a tool for kingdom advancement. To navigate this complex issue, it is essential to turn to the infallible Word of God, the King James Version, to discern a biblically sound perspective on wealth for the follower of Christ.

God's Sovereignty, Stewardship, and the Dangers of Riches

Firstly, it is crucial to establish God's absolute sovereignty over all things, including material possessions. The Bible unequivocally declares that God is the owner of all wealth, and what we possess is merely entrusted to us.

The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Psalms 24:1

And again:

The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.

Haggai 2:8

This foundational truth establishes that any wealth a Christian acquires is not by their own might alone, but by God's provision and permission. Therefore, the concept of stewardship becomes paramount. We are not owners, but managers accountable to God for how we handle His resources.

While God is the source of all wealth, the Scriptures also issue stern warnings against the dangers associated with riches. It is not wealth itself that is condemned, but rather the love of money and the attitudes it can foster.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 Timothy 6:10

This verse does not state that money is evil, but that the love of it is the root of all evil. When money becomes an idol, when one trusts in it more than in God, or when its pursuit consumes one's life, it leads to spiritual shipwreck. Other dangers include:

  • Pride and Self-Sufficiency: Wealth can lead one to believe they are independent of God.
  • Distraction from God: The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches can choke the word, making it unfruitful (Matthew 13:22).
  • Oppression of Others: Wealth can be used to exploit or neglect the poor, which is an abomination to God.

Biblical Examples of Wealthy Believers

Despite the warnings, the Bible presents numerous examples of individuals whom God blessed with significant wealth, and who remained faithful to Him. These examples demonstrate that wealth itself is not inherently sinful or incompatible with godliness.

  • Abraham: Called the "father of faith," Abraham was exceedingly rich in livestock, silver, and gold (Genesis 13:2). His wealth was a blessing from God, and he used it to honor God, for instance, by giving tithes to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20).
  • Job: A man "perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil" (Job 1:1), Job was also incredibly wealthy before his trials, possessing vast flocks and servants. After his trials, God restored to him double what he had before (Job 42:10).
  • David and Solomon: Both kings accumulated immense wealth and resources, which they largely dedicated to the building of the Temple and the glorification of God's kingdom. While Solomon's later life serves as a cautionary tale regarding the dangers of straying from God despite wealth, his initial reign and the dedication of resources were divinely sanctioned.
  • Joseph of Arimathea: A "rich man" and a "disciple of Jesus" (Matthew 27:57), he used his resources and position to provide a burial for Jesus.
  • Lydia: Described as a "seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God" (Acts 16:14), Lydia was a businesswoman of means who opened her home to Paul and his companions, supporting the early church.

    • These figures illustrate that God can entrust wealth to His faithful servants, and such wealth can be used for His purposes.

    Jesus' Teachings on Wealth

    Jesus' teachings on wealth are often misunderstood, leading to the belief that He condemned all riches. However, a closer look reveals that His focus was on the heart's posture towards wealth, rather than wealth itself.

    Consider the account of the Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-22). Jesus did not tell him to give away his wealth because wealth was evil, but because it was the young man's idol. His riches had become his god, preventing him from fully following Christ. It was a test of his ultimate allegiance.

    Similarly, Jesus' statement about the camel and the needle's eye (Matthew 19:24) is directed at those who trust in riches. It is "hard for a rich man that trusteth in riches to enter into the kingdom of God." The difficulty lies not in possessing wealth, but in the spiritual bondage and false security it often creates.

    The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) emphasizes stewardship and multiplication. The master commends the servants who wisely invested and grew their entrusted resources, while condemning the one who buried his talent. This parable suggests that God expects us to be productive with what He gives us, including financial resources.

    Jesus taught His disciples to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20), emphasizing eternal perspective over earthly accumulation. This does not preclude possessing earthly wealth, but rather dictates where one's ultimate hope and security lie.

    Apostolic Counsel on Wealth and Giving

    The apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, further clarify the Christian's relationship with wealth.

    Paul's instructions to Timothy regarding those who are rich in this world are particularly insightful:

    Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

    1 Timothy 6:17-19

    Here, Paul does not command the rich to divest themselves of their wealth. Instead, he instructs them on how to manage it righteously:

    • Do not be proud or arrogant because of wealth.
    • Do not trust in the fleeting nature of riches, but in God.
    • Use wealth to do good and be rich in good works.
    • Be generous, ready to share and distribute.
    • Invest in eternal purposes, laying up heavenly treasure.

    This passage clearly indicates that a Christian can be wealthy, provided their heart is right and their wealth is used for God's glory and the benefit of others. Generosity is a hallmark of the Christian who is blessed with resources.

    But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

    2 Corinthians 9:6-7

    This principle of cheerful, bountiful giving applies regardless of one's financial status, but it becomes a significant responsibility for those with greater means. The purpose of God blessing a Christian with wealth is often so that they can be a conduit of blessing to others and an instrument for advancing His kingdom.

    Conclusion: Heart, Purpose, and Responsibility

    In conclusion, the Bible does not condemn wealth itself, nor does it forbid a Christian from being wealthy. Instead, it places immense emphasis on the heart attitude towards wealth, its source, and its purpose. Wealth is a morally neutral tool, like a hammer; it can be used to build or to destroy.

    For a Christian, being wealthy is permissible and can even be a blessing from God, provided that:

  • God remains supreme: Wealth must never become an idol or replace one's trust in God.
  • Stewardship is practiced: All possessions are recognized as God's, and the Christian is a faithful manager.
  • Generosity abounds: Wealth is used to bless others, support the church, and advance the Gospel.
  • Humility is maintained: There is no pride or arrogance due to financial status.
  • Eternal perspective is paramount: Earthly riches are held loosely, with the understanding that true treasure is in heaven.

    • The Christian who finds themselves blessed with material abundance carries a weighty responsibility to honor God with their resources, remembering that "unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Luke 12:48). Therefore, it is indeed okay for a Christian to be wealthy, but only if that wealth serves God's purposes and does not become a hindrance to their spiritual walk or a stumbling block to their eternal destiny.