Why does it seem less holy to be rich? Is it ok to be loaded? Jemimah Wright looks at the question of money and suggests a prayer to help us get perspective.
In theory, all Christians are rich, as our Father in heaven owns ‘the cattle on a thousand hills,’ according to Psalm 50. But should Christians be rich in terms of bank balance? Why not? Does having a lot of money mean you won’t go to heaven? No.
Salvation comes from Jesus alone, who died on the cross so that our sins can be forgiven. Having a lot or a little cash does not affect salvation.
But, as ever, there is nuance in it all. 1 Timothy 6:10 says: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
God wants our whole hearts, and sometimes money can get in the way of a close walk with him on this earth.The kingdom mind-set is so different from a worldly mentality. Luke 6:38 says: ‘Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.’
What? ‘Give and it will be given to you?’
That sounds the opposite of what we are taught in the world. Obviously there is the fear of ‘prosperity gospel’ charlatans, who use the gospel for their own gain, storing up riches on earth instead of in heaven. Those pastors who manipulate their congregations to give, so that they will get the BMW’s and the big houses that their pastor is enjoying from their tithes and offerings.
But as Matthew 6:19-20 says: ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’
Our focus should not be on getting rich in this earth, but if we do have money, let it be used as a blessing to others
Our focus should not be on getting rich in this earth, but if we do have money, let it be used as a blessing to others. Not as a buffer to make you believe you don’t need God.
I have spent much of my career as a writer, writing missionary biographies – living with people in far flung destinations to record the God-story of their lives. These people had very little, but again and again God showed himself as faithful, in providing what they needed, often at the last minute. Their lack of riches was an opportunity for God to show himself as provider, and also a way to confirm his will – ‘where he guides, he provides’ as the saying goes.
I have experienced this is my own life. Once when I was in my early twenties, I was asking God whether he wanted me to go to South Africa to help in a project in a township. There would be no salary so I would have to find my own income. I remember praying one Sunday night, ‘God if you want me to go to South Africa, I want to go, but I need to know you are in it. Please will you get someone to give me £100 tomorrow, as a sign.’ I told no one of my prayer.
The next day my housemate, Mel, a nursing student, came to me and said, ‘Jemimah, I was just praying and I felt God tell me to give you £100 to go to South Africa!’
Another time, when I had a job that paid minimum wage, I was offered a £100 bonus each month if I made my target. The issue was, the bonus was given in a way to avoid tax. I felt God say you can’t take it. I said ‘I need it - have you not seen my salary!’ It was a battle to trust God as my provider, and not rely on the £100. Eventually I obeyed, and I saw God provide for my needs in other ways.
On earth it is deemed a blessing to be financially rich, but perhaps it is more of a blessing to be financially poor and see God provide your needs?
Read more on money
Money is often a taboo subject, it is my aim as a Christian woman to change that
What did Jesus really say about money?
‘I was once more than £50,000 in debt, now I’m a money coach’
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 dishonour the name of my God.’
That sounds like a good prayer to me.
The WA podcast episode ‘Should Christians be rich?’ is out now on Premier.Plus, Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Host Tola-Doll Fisher is joined by three self-made women who are serious about wealth, but give glory to God first.
Camilita Nuttall is a property developer and businesswoman. She guides entrepreneurs on how to grow their brands and is the founder of Exalted London, an event for Christians to learn more about business, money, profit, and finance. Find her at camilita.com
Rev Wendy Pawsey is Head of Giving at the Evangelical Alliance and author of Generous with a Capital G which is out in September.
Mary Okoroafor co-founded The Humble Penny with her husband Ken. Together they offer advice on how to become financially independent and have written a book called Financial Joy. Find them at thehumblepenny.com
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