I personally don't think so, but I believe the reason some christians are economically successful and some aren't is because God won't allow someone to accquire a lot of material wealth if He knows it will be a hinderence to his/her faith. If you can manage to have riches and not put them before God, it is okay, but anyone would contend, that's very hard to do.
Do agree with this, or do you have a different stance?
2007-09-17 09:27:52 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Face it, if the really wealthy christians were "good" christians, they would feed & clothe the hungry, help them find jobs, find them places to live, etc., and would end up not being very wealthy by the time they were done helping everyone, right?
2007-09-17 09:36:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's an interesting question. Jesus clearly says in the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12) that we should be careful about hording money.
But I don't believe God wants everyone to go into chosen poverty. (for some, He might.) -- God says that he wants us to be generous with our possessions and in Matthew He calls us to take care of the orphans and widows.
Not sure I agree with you on the point that God doesn't allow someone to be successful if it will hinder their faith. I can think of many examples in the Bible (King Nebuchadnezzar - who had his Kingdom taken away for just this reason) and today where money has totally gotten the best of a person.
There's an interesting series about money in the kingdom of God you might find interesting. http://www.exoduspodcasts.com/Audio/audioseries.php?seriesnumber=2
2007-09-17 16:52:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll agree with that to an extent. I don't think it is wrong to be rich if those riches come about as a result of following God's instructions for your life.
However, I do know it is possible for someone to call him or her self a Christian and still focus the bulk of his or her attention on acquiring wealth...and I don't think God will "not allow" them to do this if they so choose. Such people may well be wealthy but not because the pursued God but because they pursued wealth and they just happened to be good at that pursuit!
I'm not sure God will withhold wealth from people because he thinks they can't handle it...more likely that he will take wealth away from them if they prove they can't handle it, assuming they are sincerely following his will!
2007-09-17 16:43:09 · answer #3 · answered by KAL 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. You are completely right. Jesus did not have anything against the rich. He does however have a problem with those that are obsessed with anything that is material. Your obsession should be with God not in material things. You should use your riches to help others and give charity. As long as you do these things God has no problem with you being successful.
EDIT: To one of the previous posters. Jesus also said "He that will not work. Let him not eat". Not an exact quote but close enough to understand the meaning.
2007-09-17 16:41:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christians do not believe it is wrong to be rich, however, that been said, it is likely that wealth can and will distract you from the path that Christ has set for you to follow. He did say that it is harder for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to gain entrance to heaven. He didn't say it was impossible, just difficult.
2007-09-17 16:38:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The disciple Matthew quotes in Matt. 6:24 "“No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. YOU cannot slave for God and for Riches"
There is nothing wrong with being rich... but if wealth and materialism is hindering us in putting our trusts in God and is keeping us to from putting Him first in our lives, then that is when rich/wealth is wrong.
Not meaning to "stereotype" but most people (not all) who are wealthy put their trusts in their money and not in God.
2007-09-17 18:20:57 · answer #6 · answered by Agape 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It all comes down to what one would choose to do with their riches. Some of the wealthiest Christians I know, do not come across as wealthy. You wouldn't even guess they had much to spare. They are some of the most generous people I know in service and in financial help.
2007-09-17 16:36:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Matthew 6:24
Matthew 19:21-24
James 5:1-6
2007-09-17 16:32:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is entirely possible. But then, I'd leave myself open to other possibilities.
James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
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2007-09-17 16:32:49 · answer #9 · answered by Hogie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not wrong to be rich and because we have free will it is up to us and is not some plan of God. God gave us the rules and it's up to us what we do with them. Peace
2007-09-17 16:43:05 · answer #10 · answered by PARVFAN 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋