Riches in God's eyes

There was an attractive flyer in the junk mail yesterday. With the words Millionaire success conference going across the top of the flyer and the image of a person looking up the yardstick measured in $$$, I immediately dismiss it as yet another one of those get rich seminars to be chucked. Having another look however, I found that it's from a local church and was a bit surprised.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not opposed to wealth or riches, but I've a problem with Christians focusing on getting rich in monetary terms. And the flyer truly conveys and encourages the idea of being successful when you've got lots of money. I've seen my Christian friends fallen away because of their focus on getting more wealth. And God clearly says that we can't serve 2 masters, because the love of money is the root of all evil.

There are many wealthy people in the Bible, like Abraham, Job and Solomon. Interestingly, the Bible focuses on their love for and obedience to God rather than the wealth they have. And it's not the level of our obedience or the strength of our faith that determines how wealthy we become. This is evident in Job's case where God gives and takes away according to his plans and purposes. So I believe people are mistaken and undermining God's authority if they think that their money reflects their faith in God or their success as Christians.

Paul was strong in his faith and achieved much for God, but he wasn't rich. Peter was influential in the founding of the early church and he was but a fisherman. Jesus is the King of all kings and he was a carpenter. The rich young man in Matthew 19 was asked to give away his wealth rather than accumulating it. Jesus said that it's hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. James described a rich man as a wild flower, fades and passes away.

Are we not supposed to have money then? I don't believe so. But I do think that like in the parable of the talents, we are to be managers of God's resources whether it'd be money, possession, skills, gifts, talents or time. So, it's more than just money. And it's up to God to decide what and how he'll give us. We're responsible in looking after them and making good use of them. And that's where the difference lies: stewardship versus ownership.

Our goal should be putting to good use what God has given us for his purposes rather than accumulating to make our lives more comfortable or successful in the world's terms. After all, is having a million more satisfying than touching a few people's lives? I'll let you decide.