Is Having Wealth A Sin?

By Chad McComas

Many of us Christians grew up hearing that “Money is the root of all evil.” We heard that it was harder for a “rich man” to enter the kingdom of heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of the needle. We heard the story of the “rich man and Lazarus” and saw how awful the rich man treated the poor man. We were taught to be thankful for what we had and to not desire the “lust of the flesh” which included wealth. And we were told that it was wrong to favor a rich man over a poor man as shared in James.

Yet…when it comes time to raise funds for the church who do we go to? Who do we ask for help with every need of ministry? Who do we look to when we need to help a “poor” family pay their rent, medical bills, etc.

Seems like we talk out of both sides of our mouth at times when it comes to wealth. Is it bad to have wealth?

First, the verse about money isn’t what we were told. It doesn’t say “money is the root of all evil.” It says: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10

Second, Jesus said that He came to give us life abundantly (See John 10:10) David said that God prospers a righteous man. (See Psalm 1). In the parable of the talents it is the servants who increase their investments who are blessed and honored. The one servant who hides from taking and being responsible with the use of money is condemned. (See Matthew 25)

Third, Malachi tells us that when we are faithful in the “proper” use of our money (as in tithing to God) that we can expect blessings from heaven. (See Malachi 3)

So, it seems that God is very interested in how we use the wealth He gives us…not whether we have it or not. Do we use what we have to be generous with others? Are we generous with God’s kingdom work? Are we building bigger houses and driving bigger cars or giving bigger amounts? History is filled with many godly entrepreneurs who have raised a huge amount of money and given an equal huge amount away.

I am touched by what a couple of Christian families have done in our area with a very large amount of lottery money. They have set up two foundations that are giving away large amounts of funds to help many great church and community organizations. Wow…their generosity will go on far beyond their own lives! That’s what God wants us to do with the wealth He gives us. I’m not suggesting we play the lottery, but I am suggesting that we stop shunning wealth as believers and begin seeking ways to build healthy wealth for God’s kingdom work. Every organization I work with (and there are many) need funds to keep running and touch lives with ministry. I see God sending the funds we need through people who have it. Thank God that they are generous and giving. God is the provider, but the people must be like the faithful servants…using what they are given and making more!