Q: Why has God decided to make some people so rich and prosperous and others poor and not prosperous? —nkeh
A: The Bible makes it clear that possession of wealth involves responsibility, including a responsibility to be compassionate to the poor. But the Bible doesn’t say that all Christians should sell everything they have and give the proceeds to the poor. The hearts of some people, like the rich young ruler’s heart (Mark 10:17-31), may require such drastic measures. But for others, giving away everything would be an act of poor stewardship—an unwillingness to make wise, compassionate use of the gifts given by God.
On the other hand, Jesus indicated that a poor person is spiritually in a better position to receive the gospel( Matthew 19:23-24 ; Luke 6:24-25 ). A poor person can’t look to wealth to shield him from the reality of his spiritual poverty and dependence upon God. Poor people have their worries, just as wealthy people do. But poverty is a blessing in disguise when it makes it harder for a person to maintain the illusion of control, and easier to see his need for God. Furthermore, the best things in life aren’t related to wealth. A person in good health is better off—even in material terms—than a well-to-do person with a terminal disease. A person with a small income can enjoy friendship, love, and the beauty of the natural world just as much as a wealthy person can.
What really matters is the purpose that possessions play in our lives. Are we looking to possessions for the meaning and security in our lives, or are we looking at them as blessings that can help us fulfill our role in God’s kingdom?
The apostle Paul left no doubt regarding the means of our salvation and assurance:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
And what about our physical needs? Although Jesus doesn’t tell us that possessions are evil in themselves, He clearly defined where our focus should be:
“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). —Dan VanderLugt
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Jefferson on February 21, 2012 at 6:59 pm
Honestly, before, I look up wealth as a mean of security in life. I find it that life would be much easier if I had things that I need. I have this mentality because I come from a poor family and I want to experience the same pleasure as the rich people, but now I found God in my life. I was so bless and changes my way of thinking, even how I view things in life. Thank you God.