Can a Christian Be Wealthy?

Perhaps one of the most hotly debated topics in Christianity is how believers in Jesus should approach wealth. This is not a new question – just look at Jesus’ interaction with the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-30.

So, can a Christian be wealthy? Or, should a Christian give away all their wealth as an exercise of their faith?

First, I would remind us that by the world’s standards, we are all extremely wealthy. You are probably reading this email on a computer or mobile device. You are probably sitting in an air-conditioned room, wearing clean clothes, with food in the refrigerator for later. You are incredibly blessed and wealthy compared to much of the world.

However, the question people are really asking is, “Is it okay for Christians to have the luxuries afforded by monetary wealth, when much of the world does not?”

The fact is, wealthy individuals play an important role in the furthering of God’s Kingdom. In the Old Testament, Abraham, King David, and many others were very wealthy, and played very important roles in God’s plan.

Luke 8 speaks of three women, Joanna, Susanna, and Mary  Magdalene, who supported Jesus’ ministry from their own means. Their financial support helped Jesus focus fully on His ministry. Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy man, provided the burial and tomb for Jesus out of his own wealth.

However, just as the Bible speaks of wealthy individuals who impacted Jesus’ ministry, it warns of the dangers of greed. 1 Timothy 6:10 states, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”

While being wealthy in and of itself is not a sin, there are several cautions wealthy individuals need to take.

View wealth as a calling from God.

Viewing wealth simply as a privilege, or worse, a right, or as something you earned, can get us into trouble. Rather, it’s important we view our wealth as a calling and as a responsibility for God’s resources. Luke 12:48 states, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” If God has financially blessed you, you are required to be a good steward of that wealth. That doesn’t just mean doing a little charitable giving at the end of the year. It involves living a lifestyle of continually seeking God’s will for you to steward His resources in accordance with His plan. You should actively look for ways to bless others, and you should be wise about giving in ways that will make the most Kingdom impact. Furthermore, you should also look to multiply the wealth God has entrusted to you through saving and investing so that you can continue to give to His Kingdom work.

View yourself as a trustee.

A trustee is someone who holds or administers property or assets for a third party. You are not the owner of your wealth – no matter how great or small that wealth is. Everything we have belongs to the Father, and we are just a trustee of it. As trustees of our wealth, we have certain requirements given to us in God’s Word.

There are many Christians, and even churches, that try and turn this into some legalistic rule of giving. Many people ask me, “If I give 10%, am I good, and is the 10% on the net or the gross?” Many are looking at this as what is the minimum God is asking so I can just check the box. Are you wanting God to just bless you with the minimum? He has already given each of us way more than we deserve!

Many people are surprised to hear that there is no tithe (10%) requirement on us as Christians. That is an Old Testament concept. In fact, the Old Testament Law required multiple tithes which could add up to over 23%. The New Testament never designates a percentage. 1 Corinthians 16:2 says our giving should be in keeping with our income. And for most of us who have been blessed well beyond others throughout the world, I believe we are called to give well beyond 10%. So what are we to do?

First pray and seek God’s will. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5).

Then give cheerfully of that which God places on our heart. “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Don’t let your giving become some legalistic percentage or formula, where you are just checking the box. That does nothing in God’s eyes. It is all about your heart. Make it part of your continually conversation with the Lord, and ask Him to put on your heart where to give and where not to give. We all get asked to give to lots of great charities. I have now gotten in the habit of asking those who ask me to donate, “Can you explain to me how these funds will help advance God’s Kingdom since it is His money you are asking for?” Isn’t that a question a trustee should be asking?

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