New Reminders: Wealth

Writing or talking about money can be risky, since most people have rather strong opinions about it.  That said, I think it can be good to explore why we have some of our attitudes about the subject and try to resolve some questions we may not have raised with ourselves lately.  I need to look at some of my own biases and confusion around money.

I grew up with the impression that being rich is sinful and should be avoided.  A verse like: Luke 18:25 "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" a favorite verse with some pastors when they are preaching on Stewardship Sunday, and they are trying to get the congregation to give money to the church.  What they don’t always make clear is that Jesus was speaking to people who were hording scarce resources for themselves and not sharing any of it with the poor.  The rich have an obligation to help others, but too many people put their own greed above the will of God.

In reality, money has very little value.  It is a means to an end.  We are blessed, if we have enough to take care of our daily needs, and to save some for a rainy day and future needs, but it can never become a source of joy or fulfilment unless we use some of it for doing good things for others who are not as fortunate.

God is not against the proper use of wealth.  Many of His followers were considered very wealthy in their day.  Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, King David, King Solomon and many others were blessed by God with physical abundance and material wealth.  They also used their resources to lift up others in need.  Some shared land, grain, sheep or cattle which was most of what their wealth consisted of.  

Now that money is the measure of wealth, we tend to think that the accumulation of financial resources is a measure of our own success.  The love of money and prestige, status and opulence are considered signs of great accomplishment.  Yet, those who have great wealth are not necessarily more content and fulfilled.  For many, their motivation is to invest to get more for themselves.  Those who share their wealth, are generally more satisfied and feel well-rewarded and happy. 

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.  Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10.  May we all be content with what we have and share when we can.