Wealth

<<riches, assets>>

In the OT it was considered an abundance of physical possessions (land, animals, etc) indicated divine blessing and it was God’s prerogative to give, to withhold or take away (Gen 13:2, 26:12-14; Deut 8:18; Josh 22:8; 1 Sam 2:7; 1 Chr 29:11,12; Job 1:1-3,9-12; Prov 10:22).

In the NT the teaching is “a man’s life doesn’t consist in the abundance of his possessions”, rather true wealth, which is of eternal value, is in an individual’s relationship to God (Lk 12:15). Some people mistakenly believe that embracing Christianity is the pathway to financial wealth (1 Tim 6:5). Do I subconsciously, yet incorrectly, view a rich person as one who is blessed by God or a poor person as one experiencing divine displeasure? We need to ask, is my heart focused on temporal treasure or do I ‘sow’ into God’s Kingdom, investing this world’s prized possession in that which will be of lasting benefit, for what we do with our wealth indicates what our values are (Mt 6:19,20, 19:21,22; Lk 16:9).

Worldly wealth can’t be compared to the real wealth of Godly character and the souls of humanity for which Christ died (Lk 16:11; Rev 3:17). The gospel is the greatest of the riches we can share with anyone – the message that God loves them and desires they spend eternity with Him – yet for this to become a reality they must choose to accept this provision.

True wealth is not just financial abundance. Time, ability, health, knowledge and quality relationships are also resources to be utilised wisely and diligently, to encourage and bless others, impacting their lives for eternity, rather than just having the attitude of the rich fool who was self-focused and not concerned about anyone else (Lk 12:16-21). We are accountable to God as to what we have done with the various gifts we have been entrusted with (Mt 25:14-30). Am I aware of and utilizing these resources to help advance His Kingdom?

The Bible teaches that those who are wealthy are to be generous, with God’s blessing being on those who use this resource wisely, while a wrong attitude to money is a root of all kinds of evil (2 Cor 9:10-15; 1 Tim 6:9,10,17-19). We are to honour the Lord with our finance, not just giving out of our surplus, but

Do I share the various expressions of my wealth with others?

rather giving back to God what is His (Prov 3:9; Mal 3:10; Mk 12:44; Lk 20:25). What is my attitude to wealth? Do I share with others whatever I have been blessed with or do I hoard for myself?

Paul reminds us that God will meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus for in Him are hidden all the riches of wisdom and knowledge (Eph 3:8; Phil 4:19; Col 2:3). In love He chose us, in Him we have salvation and, in fact, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ to the praise of His glory (Eph 1:3-14).

Having a surplus of riches brings its unique dangers, either to forget God (who enables a person to earn it), to covet even more, or to needlessly spend on one’s own enjoyment (Ex 20:17; Deut 8:17,18; Prov 30:8,9; Eccl 5:10,13). Solomon asked for the ability to govern God’s people wisely and because of his unselfish request God also prospered him immensely (1 Kgs 3:5-15). Wealth is worthless when incurable sickness strikes, and it certainly can’t buy salvation (Prov 11:4; Act 4:12; Eph 2:8,9). The Bible truly warns against the deceitfulness of wealth robbing one’s life of its effectiveness and intended purpose (Mt 13:22).