To Be Rich Or Poor?

In years past the religious circles touted what was called “vows of poverty”. The people who took these vows were considered to be deeply religious because they refused to keep any monetary gain and gave it all away. They equated empty pockets with deep faith.

However, when we look at the Bible many of the men and women that are held up as some of the greatest spiritual giants with faith that was unassailable were wealthy, wealthy men. Abraham was called a prince among princes, and was feared by many kings. Joseph became the second most wealthiest man on the face of the planet. David had warehouses filled with gold, silver, and costly spices, and his son Solomon was the wealthiest man that ever lived.

Today, we hear that great wealth is a sign of abundant faith. If you drive a BMW, own a mansion, and vacation in the greatest spots that God must be honoring you with the spoils of this world.

However, if this is true than Jesus didn’t have much faith. In fact, he was homeless. In Matthew 8:20 Jesus says, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

So, which is it? Is it better to be rich or poor? The answer: it doesn’t matter, because it’s not about the amount of money you have in your account. It’s about who you trust. Are you trusting in your money to make things better, to clean up your messes, or to help you fulfill your dreams?

No-one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Matthew 16:24