Yesterday we began examining some tough questions Christians have about economics.
Many of these questions are about wealth. Can we live as faithful followers of Christ and still be wealthy?
Let’s look to Scripture to see if there are examples of Christians who were wealthy.
Dr. Glenn Sunshine and Dr. Jay Richards both point to the Old Testament examples of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – these patriarchs of the faith were wealthy men. Job was also wealthy. Sunshine points out that these examples remind us that:
Although Scripture has some very harsh things to say about the wealthy, this does not mean that all of them are evil or under divine judgment. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Job were rich and yet were also approved by God. Just as poverty doesn’t guarantee virtue, wealth does not guarantee vice.
In his discussion of Acts 2-5, Art Lindsley lists several examples from the New Testament of wealthy believers who gave generously to those in need. Among these Christians are:
- Joseph, called Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37)
- Dorcas (Acts 9:36)
- Cornelius (Acts 10:1)
- Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:6-12)
- Lydia (Acts 16:14-15)
- Jason (Acts 17:5-9)
- Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2-3)
- Mnason of Cyprus (Acts 21:16)
- Philemon (Philemon 1)
These believers lived faithful Christian lives in addition to enjoying wealth. It’s important to take note of the example they set. Art makes a point of saying these people “were wealthy and gave generously.” Their actions illustrate the responsibilities placed upon the wealthy because of how they have been blessed.
In an earlier post, Glenn Sunshine digs deeper into the obligations of the rich, saying,
Scripture is very clear that the wealthy have obligations to the poor that God takes very seriously.
Among the obligations Sunshine lists are:
- Treating the poor with fairness.
- Not using the courts to defraud the poor.
- Not taking advantage of another’s misfortune.
- Preserving the dignity of the poor by providing opportunities for work.
We encourage you to read more of Dr. Sunshine’s series to learn more about this topic.
Again, God’s real concern, Sunshine writes, is not necessarily with wealth or poverty, but with righteousness and justice.
What do you think? Can you live a faithful Christian life and be wealthy? Leave your comments here.
