Christian Pitfalls: Money

The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 Timothy 6:10 (NKJV)

Judging by the wealth of showy Christians, many seem eager to take on this risk: 

'And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God' (Matthew 19:24).

Prosperity pastors claim wealth (and health) are blessings all “true” Christians should expect. They focus on a handful of verses and pull them out of biblical context– notably the context of Jesus Christ.

Jesus chose to model a humble life and gave examples of money’s danger, including:

  • The story of the Rich Young Ruler, and…

  • The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.*

But He also showed us an exception, namely Joseph of Arimathea. He DID pass through the needle’s eye of wealth (and he’s mentioned in all 4 Gospels)!

Joseph’s described as…

  • A 'Rich man' (Matthew 27:57),

  • 'A prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God' (Mark 15:43),

  • 'A good and just man. He had not consented to their decision and deed' (Luke 23:50-51),

  • 'A disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews' (John 19:38).

Are prosperous Christians “safe” if they tithe, if they’re generous? Because the scribes, Pharisees, and lawyers fully followed the Letter of God's Law. But Jesus condemned them wholeheartedly.** 

I think “eye of the needle” exceptions to wealth’s danger hinge on what we love most:

God or money? Because we can’t chase BOTH at the same time.

  • 'No man can serve two masters' (Matthew 6:24). 

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Don't chase man's version of success, as measured by… big money, trinkets, and fame. Perfect your craft— while Jesus perfects YOU!

  • 'Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have' (Hebrews 13:5).

To serve Jesus, to fulfill your destiny, to do what you love, for the One you love– is the truest wealth. Accept nothing less.

Christian Pitfalls: Money (Part 20)

* The Story of the Rich Young Ruler: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+19%3A16-26&version=NKJV

* Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+16:19-31

** The Chapter of condemnation: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=MAtthew+23&version=NKJV

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban