Should Christians Be Wealthy?

A Biblical Analysis of Christian Attitude and Action Regarding Wealth

In our last article, we contrasted the wealth of Babylon with the generosity of the Kingdom of God. We will continue the discussion, diving deeper into the topic focusing on whether or not it is morally permissible for Christians to be wealthy.

The question of whether Christians should be wealthy has been a matter of theological debate for centuries, with many interpretations grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles. The Bible contains numerous warnings against the dangers of wealth, particularly how the pursuit of riches can detract from one's relationship with God. This essay explores the complexities of wealth from a Christian perspective, emphasizing that the central issue is not wealth itself but rather the attitude of the heart and the temptation to make wealth an idol. It will delve into key scriptural principles, the moral responsibility to care for the poor, and the contemporary reality of poverty and hunger in the world. Ultimately, this essay seeks to address the question: "Should Christians be wealthy?" by evaluating the teachings of Scripture and the moral obligations that accompany financial abundance.

The Biblical Warnings Against Wealth

The Bible offers a wealth of wisdom on the topic of riches and material possessions. Both Jesus and the apostles repeatedly addressed the potential spiritual dangers of wealth. In the Gospels, Jesus' teachings often center on the spiritual hazards of accumulating wealth and the way it can hinder one's relationship with God. One of the most pointed examples of this is found in the story of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22). When the young man asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus instructed him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor. The man, unable to part with his wealth, walked away in sorrow. Jesus then remarked to His disciples, "Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:23-24).

This passage underscores the inherent challenge of wealth. Jesus was not necessarily condemning the possession of wealth in itself, but He pointed to the way it can enslave the heart. The rich young ruler's attachment to his possessions was so strong that he could not surrender them, revealing how wealth can compete with God for ultimate allegiance.