A Call to True Understanding of Christianity and Wealth

 

A Call to True Understanding of Christianity and Wealth.

Christianity was never about earthly riches.

If there is one consistent message throughout the scriptures, it is the emphasis on the salvation of the soul.

The Bible repeatedly points to eternal life as the ultimate goal, urging believers to set their hearts on heavenly treasures, not earthly ones (Matthew 6:19-21).

Jesus Himself makes this clear in Matthew 19:24, saying, “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

This statement is not a condemnation of all wealthy individuals but rather a warning about how wealth can easily lead to pride, greed, and a loss of focus on God.

Wealth, if not managed with godly wisdom and humility, can lead to many forms of unrighteousness.

This is why Proverbs 30:8-9 says,

“Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.

Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’

Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

It is often said that you can only truly test a person’s humility when they have great wealth or power.

Many people who appear humble are not necessarily so, they simply lack the means to fund their desires or excesses.

This is a critical call to examine the true state of our hearts.

Unfortunately, in many African churches today, there is a growing emphasis on material wealth, often at the expense of spiritual growth.

Some leaders propagate the belief that poverty is a sign of ungodliness or that giving large amounts of money guarantees blessings.

When a pastor looks you in the eye and declares that you are poor because you are ungodly, it is a red flag.

Such teachings often manipulate congregants into surrendering their resources, not for kingdom purposes but for the leader's gain.

Indirectly, the message becomes:

“If you were not foolish enough to hand over your wealth to me, you would have been rich.” This distortion of biblical teaching is far from the truth.

Tithes and offerings should not be transactional or coerced.

As Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “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.”

Giving must be led by the Holy Spirit and motivated by genuine need within the Kingdom, not the personal desires of a leader.

Being rich or poor is not a measure of godliness.

Job was wealthy and righteous, while the rich young ruler walked away from Jesus because he valued his wealth more than eternal life (Luke 18:18-23).

Similarly, Lazarus, the poor beggar, found eternal comfort in Abraham’s bosom, while the rich man suffered in torment (Luke 16:19-31).

The truth is, some people are poor due to laziness or bad decisions, as Proverbs 6:10-11 warns:

“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty will come on you like a thief.”

However, others may be poor because of circumstances beyond their control. Wealth, therefore, should not be the ultimate goal; fulfilling God’s purpose is.

God has given every believer a sound mind and the ability to think critically (2 Timothy 1:7).

Use your God-given brain to question teachings that do not align with scripture.

As Jesus taught in Matthew 10:16, “Be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves.”

Work hard, seek God’s wisdom, and trust Him for your provision.

Salvation and blessings cannot be bought, they are gifts from God.

Know Christ personally and study His Word to discover the truth.

Only then can you discern when you are being led astray.

Whether rich or poor, the goal of every Christian should be to live a life that glorifies God.

Remember that the measure of your faith is not in your possessions but in your relationship with Christ.

As 1 Timothy 6:6-10 reminds us:

“Godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus and seek first His Kingdom, trusting that all other things will be added in God’s perfect way and time (Matthew 6:33).

Peace.