Problems Surrounding Material Prosperity

by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.

The Scriptures teach us that the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil (1 Tim. 6:10). At the same time, we are taught that we must work in order to have money to buy the things we need and to have to give to those less fortunate that ourselves (Eph. 4:28; Acts 20:33-35; 2 Thess. 3:10). It is also clear from the Scriptures that there have been godly rich people. The rich among Christians are addressed and warned against the pitfalls of wealth with no indication that their prosperity was wrong of itself (1 Tim. 6:17-19). Instead they are told that God has richly given them their wealth to be enjoyed (v. 17). John wished for Gaius, "that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" (3 Jn. 2). Local churches depend on the prosperity of their members' in order to do their work (1 Cor. 16:2). With all of this, why would Jesus say that it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to get into the kingdom of God (Mt. 19:24)?

The reason it is difficult to the point of near impossible is that "... they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition" (1 Tim. 6:9). Very few can handle the pressure. The danger is not so much that they will become like the miser sitting in his vault room running his fingers through his piles of money. The danger is in the things that having money, or the perception of having it, can bring them, i.e., Pride, Popularity, Prestige, and Power.

These tend to blend together in the minds many who desire wealth. While we cannot read the hearts and minds of such people, over time we can see enough to reasonably discern their motives by their demeanor. At any rate, God knows.

We see people, even in the church, who are like Hezekiah—very proud of their wealth and willing to show it off (2 Kgs. 20:12-18). It is obvious they want you to know what they are worth materially. Though some of these may be very generous with their money, they do it in a way to make sure that folks take note of it - thus increasing their popularity. They understand that "the rich has many friends" (Prov. 14:20). They love being known as "pillars of the community," not so much because of their character, but because of what they mean to the community financially. Because of their wealth, or perception of it, they may hold prestigious positions in various secular institutions and unfortunately at times leadership roles in the church. All woven into this is the desire to have power over people. No one denies that money is power. It often makes folks become obligated to the one who has it. Also the prestige and popularity that money has brought (or bought) results in more power.

On the other hand, we have seen people who are obviously well off, who seem to be completely unaffected by the "big four." They are humble, and show no signs of desiring popularity, prestige or power, but rather doing what the rich are told to do: "... that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life" (1 Tim. 6:17-19). To such persons we can truly wish for them to prosper even as their soul prospers.

Brother or Sister in Christ, if you have been blessed with prosperity, whatever the amount, please be aware of the temptations and snares it can bring and determine to avoid them. Thank God for blessing you with it and manage it in a way that will glorify Him and serve others.

Be aware also that the love of money is not limited to the well-to-do. The warning against the love of money was first addressed to poor slaves (1 Tim. 6:1) before it was expanded to charging the rich. In Proverbs 30, Agur the son of Jakeh recognized both the dangers of being rich and being poor when he prayed, "Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? Or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain" (Prov. 30:7-9). The inordinate love of money affects people all across the entire spectrum of the economic scale.

 

 

  Other Articles by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.
How to Raise a Heartache
Is Unrestricted Loyalty a Virtue?
A New Dogma
How to Raise a Heartache
The Right Baptism
Standing Alone