Can a Christian be rich?
Yes, but it won’t be easy.
Here’s a set of verses:
“Anyone who teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to godly doctrine
is conceited and knows nothing. He has a morbid disposition for controversy and verbal disputes, from which come envy, strife, blasphemies, evil speculations,
constant disputes by men of corrupt minds, being destitute of the truth, and supposing that financial gain is godliness. Withdraw yourself from such men.” (1 Timothy 6:3 – 5)
Note this phrase in the verse above “supposing that financial gain is godliness“.
P/S:
The context of ‘gain’ here in Greek is “finance/wealth/riches/money”.
Also, ‘want to be rich?’
This verse answers it (what will happen):
“and those wishing to be rich, do fall into temptation and a snare, and many desires, foolish and hurtful, that sink men into ruin and destruction,” (1 Timothy 6:9)
A true Christian must ‘desire’ to be ‘content‘ not ‘rich’ as it is written:
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)
Remember, all these verses do “not” speak in favour of being “rich” at all (as often preached out of the pulpits as God’s Will for His people. After reading these verses, ask yourself, “is this the ‘same‘ God of the Bible speaking?”)
*content = ‘happy with what you have’
This does ‘not’ mean that a Christian cannot be rich but rather it must “not” be our “desire” (if it happens, so be it).
Now, if you’re *rich* in this present (New Testament) *age*, the only way to ‘obey Him’ is to do these:
“Those rich in the present age charge thou not to be high-minded, nor to hope in the uncertainty of riches, but in the living God, who is giving to us all things richly for enjoyment; — to do good, to be rich in good works, to be ready to impart, willing to communicate, treasuring up to themselves a right foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life age-during.” (1 Timothy 6:17 – 19)
Remember, *hoarding wealth* is “not” allowed:
“Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have *hoarded wealth* in the last days.” (James 5:3)
So, the “command” is pretty clear that we are “NOT” allowed to *hoard wealth* (surpassing financial prosperity) in these “last days” (under the New Testament “times”). *Hoarding wealth* is an attitude of ‘amassing wealth’ without ‘sharing’ it out.
Lastly, remember that God doesn’t approve anything against “His Word” (Written, first).
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