1 Timothy 6:17, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
You can own and enjoy as much as you desire as long as it doesn’t lead you to sin. God gives us many things in life to enjoy, however, they are never to be made idols, cause spiritual distraction, encourage greed, or lead us away from keeping His commands.
Sometimes people think that because the Bible speaks of generosity and sacrifice that owning nice things is sinful. Certain monks promoted this kind of “poverty mentality” in the Dark Ages and took vows of poverty to prove their love for God and would even look down on those who married and found joy in having nice things in life. It is true the Bible speaks of Jesus not having a place to lay his head, Paul being without money at times, and those who had much gave to those who had little. However, at the same time, the Bible also gives examples of people who had great wealth and served God, Genesis 26:12-13.
The spiritual problem with money is not with things, but rather with the “love of things.” Paul said, 1 Timothy 6:10, “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.” Thus, it is not money itself that is the sin but the love of money that is evil.
John clearly stated that if we love the world, God’s love really isn’t in us, 1 John 2:15. He also wrote in 1 John 2:16-17, “16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
So what is the difference between having nice things while enjoying your life and loving the world in pride? Your heart. For some people, they can make a million dollars, be tithers, help the poor, and have nice things without being greedy and worldly. For other people they may have $10 and covet what their neighbor has and keep all their money to themselves.
In other words, it is not the amount money or the kind of things you own that determine if you’re greedy, but rather your heart, Matthew 15:18-19. Ask God to show you your heart and to remove any greed, lust, or selfishness you may have. Then, after you have prayed, given away all that God has commanded, and have been given a clear conscience to keep what He allows- enjoy all that God has blessed you with!
Reflection
Action
- Repent if you love money and the things of this world.
- Be rich in giving and helping others.
- Enjoy all that God has given you with a clear conscience.
