Biblical Understanding of Pursuing Money

By God’s Teachings, It Is Not Wrong to Make Money and Be Multimillionaire

Understanding Wealth Through the Lens of Faith: The Bible offers profound insights into how one should approach wealth and money.

In today’s society, the relationship between faith and wealth is often misunderstood. Many people believe that pursuing financial success is inherently sinful or morally questionable. However, a closer examination of religious teachings reveals that making money and becoming rich is not only permissible but can also be a manifestation of God’s blessings.

Biblical Perspectives on Wealth: The Bible contains numerous references to wealth and prosperity. For instance, Proverbs 10:22 states, “The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” This verse emphasizes that God’s blessings can result in material wealth, and this wealth is not accompanied by sorrow if it is obtained through righteous means. Additionally, Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” This clearly shows that the ability to generate wealth is a gift from God, and utilizing this gift is an act of faithfulness.

Wealth as a Tool for Good: Wealth in itself is neither good nor evil; it is the intentions and actions of individuals that determine its moral standing. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Notice that it is the love of money, not money itself, that is condemned. When wealth is pursued with selfish intentions and without regard for others, it can lead to sin. However, when money is used as a tool to support one’s family, help the needy, and further God’s work, it becomes a force for good.

Parable of the Talents: A Lesson in Stewardship: The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) is a powerful illustration of how God expects us to use our resources. In this parable, a master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money before leaving on a journey. Upon his return, he praises the servants who have wisely invested and increased the money, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” This parable teaches that God values productivity and wise management of resources. It underscores the idea that making money and growing wealth through diligence and stewardship is pleasing to God.

The Role of Hard Work and Diligence: The Bible also extols the virtues of hard work and diligence in achieving financial success. Proverbs 13:4 states, “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” This passage highlights that laziness leads to poverty, while diligence and hard work lead to abundance. Colossians 3:23-24 further advises, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.” This suggests that our work, done with the right intentions, is a form of worship and is blessed by God.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Wealth: While the pursuit of wealth is not inherently sinful, it is essential to guard against the potential pitfalls associated with riches. Matthew 6:24 warns, “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.” This highlights the importance of keeping God as the primary focus in our lives and not allowing the pursuit of wealth to overshadow our faith. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 advises, “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.”

The Perils of Greed: The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of greed. The relentless pursuit of money for its own sake can lead to a life of dissatisfaction and enslavement to material possessions. As it is written in 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.” This verse encapsulates the idea that an insatiable desire for wealth can lead to moral decay and spiritual ruin.

Never-Ending Greed: Greed is a never-ending cycle. The more we have, the more we want. “I can guarantee that almost everything you buy today in the shops-stores will end up in the garbage in ten years.” This insatiable thirst for more can consume us, leaving us perpetually dissatisfied. Jesus Himself warned about this in Luke 12:15, saying, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” True satisfaction, according to the Bible, is not found in accumulating wealth but in a relationship with God.

The True Source of Satisfaction: True satisfaction comes from God alone. The Bible assures us that God knows our deepest needs and desires. Psalm 37:4-5 encourages us to “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” This does not imply that God will fulfill our materialistic wishes but rather that He will align our desires with His will, thus fulfilling our true needs.

The Five Basic Human Needs: Psychologists and Christian counselors identify five basic human needs: security, recognition, love, adventure, and creativity. These needs, while natural, can drive us either towards God or away from Him, depending on how we seek to fulfill them.

1. Security = Security is a fundamental human need. Many people believe that wealth provides security. However, the Bible teaches that true security is found in God. Proverbs 18:10 states, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Relying on wealth for security is pointless because money is transient and can vanish, but God’s protection is eternal.
2. Recognition = The desire for recognition can lead people to pursue wealth as a means of gaining status and respect. Yet, the Bible encourages us to seek recognition from God rather than from humans. Galatians 1:10 says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” True recognition comes from fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.
3. Love = Everyone needs love, but seeking love through wealth and material possessions often leads to emptiness. The Bible teaches that God’s love is the ultimate source of fulfillment. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Understanding and accepting God’s unconditional love can fill the void that material wealth cannot.
4. Adventure = The quest for adventure can sometimes lead people to pursue risky financial ventures. While seeking adventure is not inherently wrong, the Bible advises us to find our excitement in our walk with God. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” A relationship with God offers the ultimate adventure, filled with purpose and eternal joy.
5. Creativity = Creativity is a divine gift. Many people channel their creativity into accumulating wealth. However, the Bible encourages us to use our creative talents for God’s glory. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Utilizing our creativity in service to God brings true fulfillment and eternal rewards.

The Pitfall of Wealth Without God

Pursuing wealth without a relationship with God can lead to a hollow existence. Solomon, one of the richest and wisest men in the Bible, reflected on the futility of wealth in Ecclesiastes 5:10, “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” Despite his immense wealth, Solomon recognized that true satisfaction comes from God, not from material possessions.

Generosity as a Path to Fulfillment: Generosity is a Biblical principle that contrasts sharply with the pursuit of wealth for personal gain. Proverbs 11:25 teaches, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Generosity not only benefits others but also enriches our own lives. By helping others, we reflect God’s love and provision, finding joy and fulfillment in the process.

The Example of the Early Church:The early Christians exemplified a community of generosity and mutual support. Acts 4:32-35 describes how the believers shared everything they had, ensuring that no one among them was in need. “In today’s world, our family comes first if they are in need.” This spirit of generosity was a powerful testimony to their faith and love for one another. It showed that their security and satisfaction came from their relationship with God and their community, not from their individual wealth.

Trusting God Over Wealth: The Bible encourages us to trust in God rather than in our wealth. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Trusting God involves surrendering our desires and relying on His provision and guidance.

Jesus’ Teaching on Trust

Jesus taught extensively about the importance of trusting God over wealth. In Matthew 6:19-21, He said, “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.” This passage underscores the transient nature of earthly wealth and the eternal value of spiritual riches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is clear from biblical teachings that making money and becoming rich is not wrong. Wealth can be a sign of God’s blessings and can be used for good when approached with the right intentions and actions. By understanding wealth through the lens of faith, we can embrace financial success as a means to further God’s work and support those in need. Remembering to maintain generosity, avoid the pitfalls of wealth, and always keep God at the center of our lives, we can honor God through our financial pursuits. True satisfaction comes from God, who meets our deepest needs for security, recognition, love, adventure, and creativity.

By Dr. Maria Pinto Barbosa #DrBarbosa

Certified as School Board of Education / PHD-Doctor of Philosophy in Cristian Clinical Counseling. Specialized on Temperaments – Personalities. Pastor Christian Minister Clergy / Bachelor of Theology in Pastoral leadership and Certified EETAD Theology