“The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” (Proverbs 10:22)
Within some sections of the body of Christ, prosperity and wealth have been pitted against spiritual maturity and authentic discipleship. Many believe that poverty is piety and that the love of money, wealth, and riches is a tripping hazard placed by the enemy to lead believers into greed and stinginess. I, too, once subscribed to this school of thought, viewing riches and wealth as contrary to God’s heart and plan for believers. In fact, I looked down upon the wealthy, especially wealthy believers.
When the Lord began to transition our ministry, I often prayed, “I’ll go anywhere and do anything, just don’t send me to the wealthy and the rich.” But, wouldn’t you know it, that is exactly where the Lord sent me. He called me to minister to the extremely affluent and high-performing leaders strategically placed around the world. Never say never and don’t tell the Lord where or where not to send you.
There are numerous scriptures that speak to the wealth and riches of God’s chosen people. Influential biblical figures, whom God used mightily, were often extremely wealthy. The ground is level at the foot of the cross. God desires to use all people in all spheres of society, regardless of their socio-economic status. It’s not about better or worse, affluent or poor, but about good versus evil, and the kingdom of light versus the kingdom of darkness. Spoiler alert: the kingdom of light wins. It’s about where we place our allegiance and what we worship!
One of the ways we have hamstrung the body of Christ is by pitting wealth against righteousness. This is simply not the case. God desires to transfer the wealth of the wicked to the righteous. The first time gold is mentioned in the Bible, God declares it to be good. Abraham was described as very wealthy. Even Jesus was wealthy, receiving gold, frankincense, and myrrh from the wise men. Luke 8 mentions prominent women providing for Jesus’s needs. Why would He need a treasurer if there wasn’t substantial money to manage? Lydia, a dealer in fine linens, was also very wealthy. Most Old and New Testament figures of prominence were wealthy.
However, it’s essential to recognize the balance. Just as poverty is not synonymous with piety, pursuing extravagant wealth can lead to a spirit of workaholism. God is the source, and everything else is a resource. Wealth from God is not earned by our skills, connections, or efforts, but by His love and the blood of the cross, which qualify us to receive our full inheritance. Extravagant wealth can be a stumbling block if viewed as a badge of honor. Instead, we must remember that wealth is about trustworthiness and using resources to serve God’s purposes.
Wealth and riches are not the same. Riches are external and can be stockpiled, but true wealth is internal, coming from the heart. True wealth is defined by the value we add to others’ lives. Wealth may have dollar signs attached, but it is not about accumulating money. True wealth is transgenerational, answering the question: “How much value can I add to someone else?”
The Apostle Paul gives a great exhortation around this idea in 1 Timothy 6. He starts by addressing both the employee and the employer, providing a balanced perspective. Paul emphasizes that one is not better than the other, but both should live in righteousness and maintain healthy relationships with God and others. Additionally, Jesus’s conversation with the rich young ruler in Matthew says that it is harder for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. However, Jesus also states that what is impossible with man is possible with God. Both Jesus and Paul underscore the importance of not worshiping money, as also mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount: “You cannot serve both God and money.”
The Lord’s message is clear: do not let riches, wealth, and money take a higher place than our devotion and loyalty to God. I don’t worship money, just as I don’t worship a Christmas tree. Many see Christmas trees as idolatry, but I see the holiday season as a time to gather and celebrate. Similarly, money should be a tool to celebrate the Lord’s favor and blessings. We don’t worship money, but we use it as a kingdom-building tool to create connections and further relationships with God and others. Pursuing righteousness from the Father’s heart while allowing money to be a tool to build the kingdom is crucial.
However, I would like to acknowledge the elephant in the room. There is a massive orphan/poverty spirit on both side of the isle of this issue. The truth is that God is a ridiculously scandalous, generous giver. It is His nature and character. In the same way that He gives with out regard to person or situation; He is also the wisest and most strategic giver. We must know that our Abba never withholds anything from us. But He know when to and when not to release blessing and favor in our direction. He know the movements of our hearts, He see and understands us better than we know ourselves. He knows that if finances and favor are released that it could derail us. I believe that sometimes when a person is promoted, or experiences relational favor, or experiences breakthrough in finances, it could be from the enemy. Sometimes the worst thing for us in a particular season is wealth and favor. I have seen many people positioned, promoted and have wealth released to them and they automatically attribute that to God’s favor being released to them. Some times the devil promotes. Read John 4- I rest my case.
As sons and daughters of the Most High King, we are made to receive. The kingdom moves at the speed of relationship but also to the rhythm of generosity. God’s desire is for us to reflect His heart, generously sharing His blessings with others.
Prayer:
Father, I decree that Your people are breaking free from the false dichotomy between wealth and righteousness. I declare that we are embracing the fullness of Your blessings, both spiritual and material. I decree that the hearts of Your people are postured towards selflessness and generosity, ready to receive and steward Your extravagant wealth. I declare that we are trustworthy with little and therefore entrusted with much. I decree that we add value to others’ lives and that our wealth is defined by our ability to impact generations. I declare that Your kingdom moves at the speed of relationship and to the rhythm of generosity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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