Am I wrong to be uncomfortable with rich people in my church?

Question

I recently started a new church and for the most part I really like it. However, I've been to a few gatherings at member's houses and they are very wealthy. These are 1 to 2 million dollar homes easily, and where I live that is massive. I know I shouldn't care and I should be happy for them, but when I hear them say "the Lord has really blessed us", I shudder. It just seems unnatural to imply God has given them wealth and others in the church are "not as blessed" for some reason. I feel badly that I feel that way. I know for a fact that the pastors (there are 3) do NOT have large homes. We know their salaries and know where they live. I know the stories of wealth in the Bible so don't preach to me about King Solomon and all that. Honestly I really don't want their houses, I'm content with my humble abode. I just hope they are doing some serious tithing! What do you think? Is it OK to be Christian and have so much showy opulance?

Answer 1

Dear Burnt in the Melting Pot:

Your seeking honest opinions. I would like to offer mine:

I think when we have entered a Church the most important thing of the "moment" is what we are going to hear, learn and integrate into our minds. So my focus would be on the Pastor, Minister or Priest. What is he going to deliver to me? I would attend on that basis only. You say you like what is offered. That is really the whole "enchilada."

When we get into the "congregation" attending - the human Intellect comes into play. And that always means evaluations, judgments, competiveness (for some) and self-assessment. That is how the Intellect operates. We can, and often do, ruin things for ourselves, through the thoughts of the Intellect.

It is God's desire that His Children have everything they need and be comfortable in their Journey through Physical Life in a physical world ; where much is needed and lack is too often the outcome. Why is this, we say to ourselves? Does God play favorites amongst His Children? Think of the physical world as a type of reality that can be overcome by an Ultimate Reality. The Ultimate Reality is the Creator's Kingdom. It is based on His Creating in His Own Likeness - spirit-mind. It is also structured as ONE-ness, Unlimited and Unopposed (no evil has yet destroyed it - evil cannot go up against God) ; hence, His Children are referred to as His One Son, equal in their Likeness. When Jesus said, "I am the holy Son of God" he referred to the Kingdom being as One. He also speaks of being "the son of Man" here in the physical world.

The physical world has to do with the Great Separation. Here we are individual, the Intellect has self-interest, we choose exclusive relationships - we are often limited in what we desire and often feel opposed.

Wealth supports many things we love. Large beautiful structures, art, etc.. But, why is it that some are in possession of it and others are not?

I believe it has nothing to do with special rewards of God. I believe it works two ways:

1. Some have a prosperity consciousness. They may seek for prosperity and are guided through their intuition , as well as Intellect, on how to achieve such goals. For this to be successful, they cannot possibly have inside their minds blockages - in the form of thoughts that prevent financial good from coming to them. They have a mind-set that says you can be Godly and have abundance at the same time. They have enough self-esteem to imagine that they can HAVE whatever they set their minds to. They feel "up to it." They think upon financial success to a strong degree. Nowhere in their minds do they have doubts about it, timid-ness in trying to achieve it, and they feel it has no hinderance to their beliefs. That God would surely want them to have what they desire. It's a mind-set that frequently helps them achieve it.

In the minds of us who may have less material good, are some surface thoughts and some subconscious thoughts against wealth. We may believe it hinders our relationship with God. We may not have the self-esteem needed to feel confident in our ability to go after money, successfully. We may feel guilts about ourself over various things and not feel we truly are deserving of abundance. The list of possible attitudes and thoughts contained in our minds that hold us back from experiencing wealth are endless. We have to look within ourselves and see our "Prosperity Attitudes."

It's okay to be wealthy. God would aid you in having anything you desire that does not hurt or harm others. Wealth can give wonderful gifts to those who are needy. He waits upon us to become "open" (free of blocking thoughts) to all that can be available.

In the end, it doesn't make much difference whether we live humbly or with wealth. It's the quality of our lives that Jesus looks upon. Wealth presents material quality of the physical world. Love and goodness produce a quality of living that is of the soul. We CAN have both. Or, we may possess one. Probably, the great majority of us possess one. Sometimes, simply due to a lack of interest in the other thing we do not have.

We can definitely be Christian and have an opulent lifestyle. When Jesus speaks of humble-ness he does not speak of a rich lifestyle - to my mind's thinking. He speaks of a mental state that is "open" to truth; one that is not so full of itself that it cannot hear nor see beyond itself. God can enter only where the "Self" is moderated. Humble. The wealthy have to learn to be of humble mind before God - regardless of their financial circumstances.

Best regards, Lana

Answer 2

Well, while it may seem like conspicuous consumption to you and I, at the same time they are opening up their homes to gatherings for all.

To whom God has given much, much is expected. THis would be between them and God and we wouldnt even be in that equasion.

I feel very blessed by God on a daily basis. I do not have the material possession that many have, both inside and outside of church. I do have all that I need, and that is the best blessing of all.

Just food for thought. If you knew what these people were giving or doing with the riches that God has blessed them with, meaning if they were openly telling all what they give and how much, it would be wrong of them.
If we talk about what we give and how much, it means that we want to be recognized for it here on earth, and the bible tells us if we do that, we will have received our reward for it here on earth and it will have no heavenly value.

Answer 3

I can see where you're coming from. I have had the same problem at my last church. I feel that as long as they are doing their tithings there shouldn't be a problem...thou shall not covet. Money doesn't get you into heaven. God loves us all rich or poor and thats the whole reason why we should be going to church not to talk about how much money we have or don't have, but to show up for the Lord.

Answer 4

You should feel uncomfortable around them only if they have that rich person attitude. God had blessed them with that money if he hadn't they wouldn't have it, but I do understand what you are saying. I would find something else to do with that money like donate it to the church or charity. I'm rich with my family. I have a small home and wonderful wife and daughter. I don't make that much money though. I'm just a house keeper.

Donnie

Answer 5

we are all equel it Gods eyes but there will always be rich and poor. just be glad they will open thier homes to others from the church. I dont think saying God has blessed them means he hast others money ( welth) is not the most important thing although it may seem so in todays world. God loves you and I am sure has blessed you in many ways having lots of money brings its own problems.

Answer 6

well, wouldn't it at least partly depend on how such folks acquired their money?

if they acquired their wealth at the expense of others like stealing it, exploiting their employees, bilking it from the unsuspecting, trashing the environment, war profiteering, from selling drugs or prostitutes etc and then go praising "God" for their "blessings" would be really heinous.

PS. if a church receives dirty money through tithing does God mind?

Answer 7

I have to admit, it makes me uncomfortable too. There are some really wealthy people in my church, and sometimes I ask the same thing. I think that as long as they are giving enough money that they are okay... but I'm not completely sure.

I want to know the answer to this too!

Answer 8

Yes, for it says in the ten commandments thou shall not covet. But that okay we still sin,but the good thing aboutthat is God will forgive you!

have a great day

Answer 9

Nothing wrong with enjoying your well earned cash. But spending it for the sake of it...is wrong. Its gluttony really. Mindless extravogence is not right either. You have a point and are right to feel disgusted if it is as extravogent as i am interpreting it. Dont be too quick to judge them though.

Answer 10

i can see how it could be uncomfortable. but the prosperity movement is huge these days.. i think it is wrong and people should be care ful the bible says " it is easier for a cmale to go through the eye of a needle then for a rich man to enterthe kingdon of God"



i think being rich is ok but....... people neeed to be careful for the love of possessions... including me