This is so good pastor John. Being in business myself sometimes I need to remind myself that I’m not in business to be blessed but rather to be a blessing to those around me. God has truly shown me living as a minimalist is the best way to go about this. I don’t aim to be rich for the sake of having many things but I am to be resourceful to help those struggling. In the end, God is our judge. I can only continue to ask for His will over my life. Regardless, there are many verses in scripture that aim to keep us from the desire of wealth. Jesus said we cannot serve 2 masters, it is either we serve God for His kingdom or money for our own kingdom. God bless you all.
I've begun realizing over the last few years what a big deal this is. The more things and particularly expensive things one acquires the more it demands your time and attention in order to care for it and that inadvertently becomes more of a relationship in and of itself than it does with Jesus. It slowly but surely will shift your focus, time and attention away from the Gospel.
Yes Brother!. Mark 10 King James Version 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. 23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. 28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. 29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. 31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
Yes! My sentiments exactly. That is a very good point. When you said "things demanding your attention" that is the key right there and it's a snare for us. I said temptation, worries, and maintenance which is the same thing.
A sobering message and wakeup call to always place JESUS far above silver and gold and diamonds and any possessions of this world, instead to store up precious treasures to benefit only HIS Heavenly Kingdom. 🙏
I was going to type the same "sobering" message in the comments and scrolled down only to find yours. Earlier today I had a conversation with an old friend about how bleak life has been these past couple of months and how the development of meaningful relationships has been forgone in the pursuit of career goals which have yielded superficial satisfaction. I now see that I have not been magnifying Christ as I should have been. I repent.
This is glorious for the eye has not seen, nor ear heard,neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which GOD has prepared for them that love Him. Surely nothing nothing can be compared to what awaits for us in that glorious land where no sin enters. AMEN.
@@chillinnojukwu9334 Simple...stay away from false prophets. Use your earthly riches to support true gospel missionaries, your local church, anything that promotes the gospel of Christ.
@@troymilliken6792 amen. This issue is as expected very broad. I for one if God grants me riches, I would have temporary lodges for missionaries or things of the sort. Pastor John is spot on tho. There are things about the “rich life” that are just for the sake of being rich.
I'm a missionary in a foreign, poor country. We ourselves struggle to meet the basic needs of your life here. I've been praying so hard lately that God will stir the hearts of wealthy Christians to see that their money is not their own and shake out their bank accounts, giving to God's workers around the world....storing up their treasures in heaven instead of on this faultering earth.
@@eddieaguayo2335 start by going outside your door talking about Jesus 100% of the time to every person you meet in your hometown and if you manage to not get killed, reach out to a local church with your testimony and if they find it credible they usually will set you up with resources needed to get out there.
" money was given to us by God to show the world, money is not MY GOD..CHRIST IS! cars were given to us to show the rest of the world, cars are not my God, Jesus Christ is..." -John Piper I think that both the Prosperity gospel and the Poverty Gospel are equally dangerous because they both assume merit of holiness/righteousness based on an economic status....we are here to glorify God and enjoy HIM forever and share his greatness with others...
“The less it looks to outsiders that we’re ready to let things go” (or something to that effect). Yes, this is an excellent point. We must have a loose grip on this world. Everyone should see that we want to go home. That’s radical.
Thank God that you have the grace for honest soul searching...many professing Christians these days lack the capacity to do so, and as a result indulge in denial, deflections and outright justification of greed and covetousness...
@@daddada2984 As John Piper pointed out at the last portion of his reply, it is very hard to keep our intention pure. The draw of wealth (money, power) are very strong. Based on my personal experience, the more I make the stronger desire to keep it, and thinking all kind of excuses ....
@@IIII...... why do you think they have many money to enjoy life here, Have you read the story about the richman & Lazarus? How about the rich young ruler? Jesus set the example about them. Jesus give the warning, it can trap of the devil... You can live comfortably but not act at luxurious. Mostly if they claim to be Christian, Christian are charitable not luxurious.
@@IIII...... im not telling them, im just sharing another perspective. Again read the story of the young rich ruler, did Jesus say to him live in luxury & follow me. Yes, charity will not surely get you to heaven, but it show the reflection on your attachment to your money. If you follow Christ your will be charitable, did Jesus just preached? He preached & feed people. You can't bring your wealth & luxury to heaven.
Outstanding John Piper. This is one the best and most biblical explanations I've heard about what should be the goal of wealthy Christians. I think that many westernized Christians give little thought to how wealthy they are by world standards. In fact, within the context of their own societies they may be seen to be 'not so wealthy', and so when they hear biblical teaching like this, they're usually looking for some way to please God without giving up what they already have. A bit like the wealthy young ruler of Mark 10:17-31.
We in the US are obsessed with riches, and having spent a good time in Peru now, I have so much more peace being focused on what I have in Christ rather than the physical possessions. Though I'm still not living in bad conditions, I realize how much the riches of the US is meant to make you your own god, and all things revolve around you. This is a subtle and great deception. I don't judge my fellow countrymen, but I do feel concerned for my own spirit and the spirits of my companions simply because of how it has so subtly affected me.
Thank you Pastor John for this perspective on wealth. Yes it is truly a miracle that a man would treasure the Devine above Luxury because we have six senses to satisfy. Only God could transform our desires to long for Him
Just practice intimacy with god, tell him you're striving to be holy, e.g. separate from the present values, and you will be transformed. That's our duty as believers. Heart is changed by drawing close to HIM.
Thank you Lord Jesus for giving us true perfect joy, peace, and Love. May we become good stewards of God in this life and in the next life. To God be all the Glory
Yes it's all down to motives. God knows the heart. It's like if you're even asking "how far is too far?", you know you're headed in the wrong direction, or focused on the wrong outcome. And if our chief pursuit everyday was getting closer to him, then he would guide us in our relationship with the material world, and we could know his will and his peace in our specific circumstance.
This is something we need to decide for ourselves. We as Christians should not judge others who are richer than we are because that only creates envy, which further cause us to think we are inadequate. I’ve been blessed to have major financial gains this year. To this day I still give 10% to tithe each month from when I didn’t much to now.
Negative feelings towards the rich aren't necessarily motivated by envy. If someone runs over my dog for fun driving a gigantic truck driving drunk am I envious that they they have a big truck or am I just angry because that person is callous and wreckless and they just killed my dog.
Exactly Ecc 10:10 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.
Your willingness to address this question I truly appreciate. My struggles with this question are based on my unwillingness to address my "true treasure" (Matthew 6:21) (Luke 18:22-23). In MY heart lay my answer. The standard I hope to follow is not what others have done or are doing. For only our God knows their hearts. God knows my heart (Psalm 139:23), I pray that I am willing to be honest to myself and to my God through Jesus Christ.
1. We are sojourners that are quickly passing by (we just need our basic needs taken care of and that's all - 1 Tim 6:8) 2. the Lord is coming back any time and we can depart from this world any time 3. eternity is real and very very serious 4. while we briefly live in this world wealth ought to be used for why we're here - Great commission fulfilled With this reality we have, what reason is there to lay up treasure on earth? NONE. Use it for His work.
So much wisdom! Thank you P. John for sharing these thoughts that is so needed this day and age especially in the US. I have struggled with "keeping up with the Jones", but this message helps to remind me that wealth is not something to be envied.
Thank you good message. I personally have thought about this topic much and desire to live a more simple lifestyle for the goal of saving extra for world/local missions. I definitely fail at it sometimes and need to repent on putting hope in riches There is an amazing thing about being an American being able to multiply your effect on world missions since the cost of living is less other places. I think all of us should look to being friends with worldwide Christians to find out ways we can help fund missions globally for the gospel
The majority of believers have no idea what believing in Jesus actually entails since many foolishly believe that all they need to do is to say that they believe in Jesus and that then makes them a Christian. These deceived believers have completely ignored the scriptures where God commanded us to overcome and to be Holy or where God stated that He disciplines His true children by testing their faith in order to see if their faith is genuine. “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” I Peter 1:15-16 NKJV “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 NKJV “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” I Peter 1:6-7 NKJV “But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe-and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:18-20 NKJV “Faith without works is dead” is not saying that you must work to earn your salvation since no one can earn their salvation because it is a free gift from God. But what it is relating is that you must prove your faith by acting upon it and if you do not prove it then you reveal that you really do not believe. So just saying that you believe means very little to God since even Satan and his demons will do that much. If you really believe then you must prove that you believe by your words and your actions. Now any person who accepts Jesus into their life receives His Holy Spirit and they are now saved. This does not make them any wiser about God’s truth though and it does not take away their free will to still choose evil. This is why they must surrender their will to the Spirit and allow the Spirit to now change their heart. See Romans 12:1-2. But if that person does not allow the Spirit to start changing their sinful ways to God’s Holy ways and they resist God’s discipline then the Spirit will certainly depart if they ever deny truth and blaspheme the Spirit. God calls this procedure sanctification but yet most believers never allow it to occur since most do not understand how to test the Spirits as commanded in 1 John 4. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. I John 4:1-3 NKJV If you are truly living by the Spirit then the Spirit will eventually have you sell most of your wealth and have you give to the poor. See Matthew 19:21, Luke 12:33 and 18:22. The Spirit will also have you forsake your possessions and your current way of life since you cannot possibly be a follower of Christ unless you have done so. Do not believe me then read Luke 14:33, Matthew 10:34-39, Matthew 16:24-25, Mark 8:34-35, Luke9:23-24, Luke 17:33 and John 12:25. So if you have never experienced these things then you certainly are not following the guidance of the Holy Spirit and you clearly are just someone who is deceived in their beliefs. Faith requires action and all you need to do is read Hebrews 11 to prove as much since it reveals how people of faith overcame all of their obstacles. Realize that Abraham believed in God so much that he was willing to kill his own son in order to prove his faith. So if you do not act upon your faith then it certainly is dead and it is useless and it clearly proves that you DO NOT REALLY BELIEVE. There are many believers who foolishly believe that they can never stop sinning even though there is not one scripture that ever relates that a Christian will always sin. A Christian is someone who is a follower of Christ which means they are someone who is living just as Jesus did. Jesus did not sin but yet there are many foolish souls who believe that scripture is relating that they can never stop sinning! There are scriptures that use terms like, do not sin, has died to sin, has ceased from sin, cannot keep on sinning and cannot sin. All of these terms are used when describing a follower of Christ but yet many foolishly believe that they can never stop sinning? Many times these lost souls will twist what 1 John 1:8-10 is relating in order to justify why they still sin. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” I John 1:8-10 NKJV Since we are all born in sin and in ignorance of God’s word and truth John was relating that anyone who claims that they have never sinned at some time in their life is then deceived and they do not understand the truth that is being related in scripture. John was then relating that if would repent and confess our sins to God then God is faithful to forgive us of our sins and He would then cleanse us from living a sinful and unrighteousness life. John then related that anyone who believes that they have never sinned in this life is then calling God a liar. But nowhere is John ever relating that a believer will always continue to sin or that a believer could never overcome their sins. So here is what most believers are missing. Yes we are all born in sin and we have all sinned but this certainly does not mean that a believer can never stop sinning. Jesus came to forgive us of the sins that we have already committed and this occurs at the moment that we repent of our sins and we accept Jesus and His Holy Spirit into our life. Once we receive His Holy Spirit we were then commanded to surrender our will to God so that we would allow the Spirit to sanctify our heart in God’s truth. Sanctification is a process where God has us face the lies, the deceptions and the temptations from the devil head on in order to show us how to overcome sin. God does this to teach us His truth and to correct our thinking regarding the sins and the lies that the devil may have us believing. Sanctification requires a lot of time, patience, suffering and endurance and this is actually when many believers fall away. Jesus gave us these examples in the parable of the sower. These were people who believed for awhile but then fell away to one of Satan’s fallacies. So this is how you prove your faith and this is not doing works in order to earn your salvation. You see, God will not stay in a sinful environment so if you resist the Spirits discipline then there is a good chance that you will blaspheme the Spirit. The Spirit will then depart, you will never get Him back and you have then lost your salvation. Why! As scripture states it would be like you trying to crucify Jesus all over again. This is explained in Hebrews 6:4-8, Hebrews 10:26-39, Hebrews 12:3-13 and 2 Peter 2-20-22. And yes the Spirit will always stay with you but for that to occur you must surrender your will and you must do your part. You must learn to change from your sinful ways to God’s holy and sin free ways and not blaspheme the Spirit in the process. All of this explains why someone who falls for the once saved always saved narrative is simply lost and delusional in their beliefs. A Christian is someone who lives just as Jesus and they have overcome sin and sickness through the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ. Jesus did not sin nor did Jesus ever get sick so if you are allowing His Holy Spirit to guide you in your life then it would be impossible for you to sin or to get sick as well. This is why the vast majority of believers certainly are not Christians. They are simply lost and misguided souls who have no idea what scripture is actually relating and they will perish in their ignorance of truth since they never learned how to overcome their sins. “And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:6-8 NKJV “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” I John 3:8-9 NKJV So scripture clearly states that whoever sins does not know God. It also relates that whoever sins is of the devil. Scripture relates that whoever abides in God and is born of God cannot sin and does not sin so anyone who can still sin and anyone who can still get sick is clearly proving that they are someone who is not being guided by the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ.
How true and how sad that our christian leaders have fallen short in this area when they have all the spiritual knowledge to discern right from wrong. Let us pray that our leaders showcase Christ centred living rather than wealth and prosperity.
Thanks pastor John for this clear message on a subject many Christians today are twisting to justify their greed & to the amusement of the world. It's just so sad looking at Bible and the precedence of saints through the ages, that only just six decades ago Christians started questioning or second guessing traditional Christian norms and lifestyles. It's no wonder Christian traditions like piety, suffering for Christ and martyrdom have now become taboos. The worst part is that other religions like Islam & Bhudhism are practicing this norms to our shame which is why they are growing so fast while Christianity is on the decline in the west...
Good point. I am european and we accomodated so much to our convenient life thinking this would go on..If we don't love the Lord more than posessions we aren't worthy the name Christian..our riches here we're built in exploiting the rest of the world of their resoureces. And it continues.
Just like all the other versions of Christianity and the many religions before it, it too will fade away into history. Such a shame no one lives long enough to see this over many centuries.
There is always going to be someone “wealthier” than you and me. And now I see the evil in envy and how time consuming it is to be looking at material things. Jesus is the true treasure, yet I haven’t seem to apply this truth in my life.
"There is always going to be someone “wealthier” than you and me. " Maybe for YOU. That's not necessarily true. Elon Musk: $240 BILLION dollars. No one is wealthier than him. Yet. Why can't it be you or me? If you say it can't be you, then you are correct. But I will NOT limit GOD and say it can't or won't be me. AMEN, In JESUS name.
@janellerollins5893 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:1-6 NIV Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. James 4:13-17 NIV Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.” Psalms 62:10-12 NIV Be well and be at peace
The bigger question to me nowadays is about coveting, looking on at what others have and judging them for it! It’s about our hearts. What is rich? How does one measure rich? Americans are far richer than Ethiopians or Europeans are far wealthier that Venezuelans….. I’m far more concerned with covetousness than wealth. Greed impoverishes people, robs us all of joy. Wanting what is not yours is poverty.
I think riches are very useful for serving. Just don't put your heart in them. King David was very rich, and although all his mistakes, he was closer to God in his day to day, than many persons with a lower economy. I think is fine to enjoy luxury, eclesiastes tells you the importance of enjoying life. Just don't put your heart in riches of this world, which are temporal, but are useful to serve, enjoy and to use wisely.
I believe if you're blessed with earthly riches then like a good steward be a blessing to others, especially to good ministries, to the people/children of God, to orphans, widows and poor.
If we find ourselves trying to grasp for straws, or any possibility, to justify anything we have/do, it may be a sign that we've fallen into idolatry. I find that riches tends to be one of the most obvious one that people try to find justification for. Less obvious ones are things like how and where one spends their time, resources, and such. As difficult as it may be for people due to earthly desires, the surpassing worth of knowing Christ should make everything in our lives look like rubbish in comparison to Him.
It’s certainly a touchy subject. I personally believe it can come down to your calling & the condition of your heart/motives within that place. It’s all about Godliness with content which is great gain. If God he given you the gift of giving, give generously.
Christ did not cloth himself in fine silks and robes….he did not drive everywhere in a chariot or stay in lush lodgings. Live within your means and do not live a life of extravagance and self indulgence. There is nothing wrong with luxury…but do not let them be your focus….Christ is your focus.
@@IIII...... where should you have treasures?in heaven or in earth? Show you trust in your wealth? Im not saying to be rich is plain as sinful, but if your rich & all living in luxury & not helping other, better check your Christianity.
Hmmm.. We have to define properly what is "rich". Some people have multi-million dollar houses with expensive cars that are broke but there are others who lives modestly but have multi-million savings... so does it mean if you are a rich Christian but not attracted to an extravagant lifestyle then you are good? Can Christians not be called to become entrepreneurs? Who will give and support the church and other Christian charities financially?
Who will give and support the church and other Christian charities financially? God who else, He can use anyone to give money, not just rich Christians.
I think this turns legalistic quickly. So work out your own Faith with fear and trembling. I will not be ashamed of working hard and abundance being created. I think Paul would have said more had He wanted to. Matthew calls a servant wicked that is lazy and doesn't do some with what they have been given.... being wicked for being lazy a d being beaten doesn't sound good either. Let us all pray.
The heart is the issue. Even wealth building, or no wealth building can be a sin, according to the condition ofnthe heart. Some people seize opportunities and make smart financial decisions. Always remember, God allowed them to. But at the end, why are they building the wealth? Is the wealth the new priority over God? We must ask ourselves those questions. Some onthe other side do nothing 😁, make poor decisions, poor financial decisions. We need to ask ourselves as well , why? Is it because of laziness? Is it to depend on others? Is it because i dont care about helping others financially?? On any case, we alqays to examine our actions, our heart in any situation. Wealth can be of course addicting, and we need to be careful when we are wealthy. Poverty is not attractive but has a few advantages, such as being helped by people. We need to be careful there as well. But may God gives wisdom to each
That it does not need defining strictly is part of the point - we all need to hear it, rather than think that 'they' are the rich and 'we' are too poor to be generous. There are people who should not feel obliged to downsize, but if you have things (which can be almost anything, and many western people including me have more than they realise or let on) then how do you use them and why? Are they honouring to God? Once I was quite envious of a Christian family I saw with a mansion (in some places, perhaps, it would not be seen as a mansion) only to learn later how they used it for God (hosting various Christian events), which led me to repent. In Acts 4 it says of the early believers in Jerusalem that no one claimed possessions as their own - they shared. Now some sold fields or houses to help the poor, but others would have used them for church meetings (or to house others?). Yet if the large car or second car drives you alone, why not get a smaller one or share lifts? If the mansion houses you alone, why not sell it and buy a smaller house, or invite others to live with you?
@1:50 "Am I missing something here?" Yes! Look at Matthew 25:35-40; 1 Tim 6:18; James 1:27. There is more than simply not having money as an idol; there is potential to help others!! This life is our only opportunity to help orphans, slaves, persecuted Christians, and people who have never heard the gospel.
The way I’ve always seen it is that the wealth given to those in a local church are blessed to give to those in need. Where the true joy come from from wealth is giving cheerfully to those in need and the spread of the gospel.
I think being rich is a relative perspective. If you FEEL like you're living richly/luxurious and see your brother in need and dont help them, then how can God's love abide in you.
1 John 3:17 does not use the word for 'feel', but the word for 'having' material goods. We relativise wealth, yes, but to our shame as wealth is deceptive. If we are deceived by wealth we cannot trust our feelings about how rich we are or about how much we should have, because wealth is dangerous. The verse you have used, inserting the word FEEL, where it really says 'have/has', likely means the opposite.
Maybe one of the most scripturally honest presentations of this issue I've heard by any pastor or teacher. It does, however, miss an important element concerning self-pleasing, luxurious living: i.e., not all luxuries involve material goods and possessions. Christians are spending tons of money, time, and energy on psychic, experiential goods and services that aren't materially stored, That could include things like expensive vacations and cruises or sporting, recreational, and other 'have-to-do' activities and events. Or, maybe, it might be just excessive or extravagant amusements. Even things like the pursuit of dining experiences and food and drink selection itself are often way more than meeting any real need. Private schooling can be another unnecessarily large expenditure. Thus the issue is at least partly one of consumption, not just accumulation and wealth. A good rule to follow might be: earn what you reasonably can, at least to avoid being impoverished or dependent on others, spend as little as you can according to true need (be a minimalist/essentialist), and give the rest away. Of course, all this can be complicated by considerations for and pressures from other family members.
Anyone can appear wealthy, but most people are not going to tell you how many % of their income makes up the total of their annual tithing and gifting. Trust in God has a relationship with our attitude towards material things (money). I once was told story about congregation critical of their pastor. He seem to be living in wealth. It's very easy to assume everything is paid for in full retail price. They those critical people eventually stop their criticism when they found out, it was just plainly years of accumulating all those nice things via garage sales or were gifts, or just simply picking it for free, from people who didn't want it anymore. Who are we to judge someone who has capacity to give example 50% of their income to the building of the kingdom of heaven on earth and live very nicely on the rest of the 50%?. Many people lack faith to sustain even 10% tithing . We should all strive instead to grow our capacity to give, instead of worrying about how people perceive our lifestyle. Trust God to be faithful to help us grow our earnings capacity.
I had quite rigid catholic education and from childhood i have this belief that money wealth will make me go to hell, thus i am subconsciously sabotaging my success. Can someone help me with advice how to overcome this fear and balance my money abundance vibrations? Thank you 🙏
Good job pointing out the standards that we as citizens of the USA enjoy compared to the world. This avoids the spirit of envy. Wealth isn't the problem: wealth is just a tool. We can use wealth to pursue never-ending pleasure, or we can use it to build schools and hospitals. Where we set our hope and trust is what matters, and there have been many wealthy people who have done amazingly great things to show God's love. I recall examples of rich followers of God: Joseph of Arimathea, Lydia the merchant of purple cloth, Kings David and Solomon, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Job, etc. I think a good way to keep things in balance is through proportion. If I look at my budget and see the vast majority going to glut my own desires, that's a problem.
Very well articulated. Admittedly, I like nice things but I'm far from wealthy. Even if I were to become rich, I don't think I'd feel comfortable with a quarter million dollar car and simultaneously knowing there are people starving to death in my city. Wealth is a bit of a super power that is accompanied with responsibility.
@linustechpriest1269 But do you need that? More a want is it not? I've got a nice albeit old truck but have been thinking of downgrading to something more fuel efficient.
In my opinion it is not just about being rich or not, but also how do we treat this beautiful world God has given us. For this reason I admire groups like the Amish and the Mennonites who strive for community lifestyle and simplicity, thereby showing good care of God's creation.
Questions of wealth and property always vex me. I do very well in my life and I have become very aware that even when I feel I am going above and beyond in giving back to the world and glorifying Christ as I do so...that I could always be doing more. And I struggle with being very possessive with what is mine. Part of me does not like the notion of selling property and pooling the money with those of my fellow congregants, for the good of the community. That feels like communism, but there it is in Acts 4:32/34-35: "(32) All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had....(34) There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales (35) and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need." That's a little close to the overtly communist, "From each according to their ability, to each according to their need." My pastor has an interpretation of that cuts off the sharp edges and suggests it merely means we have to help out the poorest of our Christian brothers and sisters, but that's not what it literally says. Verse 32 saying no one claimed any possessions were their own, doesn't seem allegorical to me and it's clearly not saying that tithing is sufficient. I am from a culture where the notion of allowing the poor and aliens (especially aliens) to enter my property and take away what they need to survive (entering my fields to take away food from its edges of from the gleanings in OT terms) is anathema...they would be considered trespassers and thieves (perhaps "looters"). The laws of my state would generally give me the right to *shoot* such people as an exercise of self-defense if they did that at night (or during the day if I reasonably believe that my property cannot be "protected"-i.e., protected from the poor taking it-by any means other than deadly force). Part of me agrees with the law, but part of me struggles when I compare that law to the Bible; any thief or burglar I am likely to encounter is probably poor (so few upper class burglars these days) and is very likely not going to be able to steal so much that it would materially reduce my family's standard of living.
The Lord tells us in His word don't hold on tightly to the things of this world. You have to be prepared to release if that what He calls you to do. We have all have to check ourselves and our hearts towards our Savior if we believe we won't gain more than we can think when he calls us to lose. So be careful with our own interpretation or the interpretation of a pastor. Seek God first and His Kingdom. All will be revealed in due time: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:19-21, 24 NIV As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good-except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:17-27 NIV Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? Matthew 16:24-26 NIV “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV Be well and be at peace.
It’s ok to own nice things providing those nice things don’t own you. Believe me there aren’t many rich Christians who can down grade their big fancy bmw cars for a Toyota or Ford.
I've had this conviction recently about having a more simplified life. I have stopped putting my attention on the finer things. I'm more focused on living modestly. Without so much thought to luxury. Esp, after the pandemic. My focus is on serving The Heavenly Father. Not what luxury items l can further comfort myself with.
I can't agree more! I would add that, in view of 2 Corinthians 8.13-15, as long as there are brothers and sisters in this world struggling to feed themselves and their children or needing funds for an evangelistic or humanitarian effort, no Christian should be living in a mansion or leading a wealthy lifestyle.
Here in the US, rich Christians say that God blessed them and they worked hard for their riches and that the poor are responsible for their lot in life.
How poor are the Christians who are poor? There are many Christians who look poor, but who want to live the simple life. Christians who are poor or fall on hard times can receive many types of help from the Church. Some people are poor because they don't take care of what they have. People need to be taught to take care of what they have. Everyone in the US have access to food and shelter if they take the effort to achieve it. Look at the people who are poor, why are they poor? Most need to be taught hope in God to change their ways.
@That's BornAGAINJen You seem to be very judgemental of Christians. Did you know that Catholic charities is the largest charitable organization in the world. Did you know that Christians give more to charity then any other demographic in the US. Who are the needy? They are victims of circumstances. Many times the Bible refers to orphans and widows as needy. Did they choose to be orphans and widows? Of course not! Many people are poor due to their own bad choices and sin. That is why the Bible says you do not work you do not eat. We need to discern the difference. We need to apply wisdom to know the difference between helping and enabling.
@@SK-fp4ed We definitely need to apply wisdom between helping and enabling. I pray that we use our resources to those that truly need it and not be distracted by the loud evil doers who do not want to repent from their evil ways.
Solomon was one of the richest people of his time. He did not get in trouble because of his wealth, but because of women. I.o.w. maybe his lust for them, but more that they lead him to idolatry.
Bearing each other's burdens is an act of love than those of us in the mission field really wish churches in America would do. If a church sets aside money for mission work... It is usually never more than 10% of their budget. That amount is for local and international missions. 7,000 unreached people groups need to hear the gospel message. Missionaries are clinging to Matthew 6 and Philippians 4 seeking God and striving not to worry. The abandonment of the American church does not stop us from trusting God as our provider, but it does cause us to pray for the hearts of professing believers in America. This road is painful and faith - filled. God strengthens us. What missionaries need as we give our lives going down into the well... is for you in American churches to hold the rope. Don't let go. -Blessings from Tajji in Tanzania (Christian Missionary)
you are easily contented when you are spirit filled moment by moment so your life style will change because God renew your mind your joy is in him not on people and material things
I don't think I need to downgrade my lifestyle. I'm an unemployed Mexican who lives in Mexico. I'd be happy if I could find a job that pays enough for both food and rent.
You all know that Abraham was very rich, right? You know it did not distract him from God, right? Money is a tool. That is all. It doesn’t change character, it reveals character. Furthermore, coveting is not exclusively the burden of the rich.
I think that cultural context is very important. If I were to drive around a 2005 ford f150 around in the United States, no one will think twice about how wealthy I am, and many may think that I'm either poor or content in my transportation. If I were to drive that same truck in the middle of Africa or Latin America, I am wealthy. Same with houses, utilities and any amenities we may have. Relative Wealth is not an issue. Materialism within that relative wealth is a big issue though.
Accumulating great wealth and hoarding it all for yourself and family is just as bad as struggling to pay bills and depending on others for your daily upkeep forever. If you are rich God has appointed you to serve the poor. You are a servant to the poor. Charity is your ministry. If you are poor (financially speaking) that should not distract you. Serve humanity (for God) with your 'non-monetary' gifts as you trust God for your daily bread and opportunities to stop depending on others.
Yes, it's a sin because if one truly believes and trusts God, there would be no need to resent them, or fear them. "What can any man do to me?" Heb13:6
I think the church needs to reevaluate our life style and fight per our what we are truly here for. We are far too passive allowing things to happen to us instead of leading and creating the future. I also believe this is primarily because we believe it all need to burn first so the sooner the better.
Christians definitely need to seek God and not the worldly ways. Christians taking part of the worldly ways is the issue. It makes those ways prominent and stronger in the world. The Bible has God’s truth on how to live. Christians need to put their hope in God and turn their back on ways that is against God's truth.
We are a new creation when we accept Jesus as our Lord. We are to denied ourselves mean are old habits old behaviors, and old life living we gave up. We don't live the patterens of the world we seek the Spirit of what the Spirit wants.
Having kids opens up another avenue of temptation toward wealth, since we can easily swing from doing our due diligence to provide, to chasing an idol of "security" which is really an evidence of our lack of trust in God. As we've begun to make more money, we've begun to give more. We're trying to open our home more to the church and meet people's needs. We see in scripture that the rich in the early church provided a place to gather, gave toward the needy, etc. But that's the expectation, not something they need to be praised for. I think if there's legitimate need in the church that you COULD meet and choose to ignore the need, then you should be wary. If you have a home, have a car, and have any money in your savings account, you are richer than the vast majority of people throughout history in many ways.
I always struggle with the rich Christians calling themselves Christians…people like Willie from Duck Dynasty and Joel Olsteen living in these big mansions with vehicles that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Bible clearly speaks to us on the issue of being rich. The parable of the rich young man/ruler speaks on this.
Why would John not reference 2 Cor 8, which seems to speak specifically to this? I've never heard a pastor use this verse when talking about wealth. Is it too close to communist thought for our American sensitivities, or is there something about the text that's not readily apparent to me? It's spoken especially loud to me after living in a developing country with people who have next to nothing.
To me it would seem a text more fit for them who are especially poor to not be afraid to give even in their poverty and not so much an exhortation to give to everyone so that all have equal amounts. However there are scriptures that would say make sure the Church is provided for
@@xavierthomas5835 Agreed, but I think we have to do theological gymnastics to read this and justify abundant wealth while fellow believers are impoverished.
