God does not trust me with riches

[Salty]

We have often heard Christians make this statement. But is it true? Do we think that to be a true Christian, we are to be poor?
Are we afraid to step out to be more successful?
I need to point out that this discussion has nothing to do with the So-called "prosperity gospel"
Over history there have been many rich men of God. (Abraham, Job -- and in contemporary times
there are 6 Christian families...

So what say you ?

 

[canadyjd]

That is interesting. Of course, scripture tells us the “love” of money is the root of “all kinds of evil”, which is often misquoted as money being the root of all evil.

There is, I think, a certain mindset that very wealthy people usually have that may not be compatible with Christianity… a certain ruthlessness in terms of business, but that isn’t necessarily true.

I look forward to reading the responses.

Peace to you

 

[Charlie24]

We have often heard Christians make this statement. But is it true? Do we think that to be a true Christian, we are to be poor?
Are we afraid to step out to be more successful?
I need to point out that this discussion has nothing to do with the So-called "prosperity gospel"
Over history there have been many rich men of God. (Abraham, Job -- and in contemporary times
there are 6 Christian families...

So what say you ?

I think for myself the statement, "I don't trust myself with riches" is more accurate.

I'm afraid of riches, knowing there are things in this world that could come between my relationship with Christ.

I see nothing wrong with riches in itself, but for me I see it as an unnecessary test with God that makes me feel uneasy.

 

[Ascetic X]

Matthew 29:23,24

23Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

 

[canadyjd]

Matthew 29:23,24

23Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

And his disciples responded “who then can be saved”… revealing a belief then (and with many today) that if you are rich God must be blessing you.

And Jesus responded to the question, “who then can be saved” by saying with man it is impossible but with God, all things are possible.

Revealing the necessity of God intervening in a person’s life to bring them to salvation…

I love scripture!!!

Peace to you

 

[Ben1445]

Matthew 6:19-34
God wants us to let Him take care of us. We should oblige Him and trust Him to meet our needs. As His strength is made evident in our weakness, His riches are made evident in our need. I think it is more that God has a lot of people that He wants to teach about Himself, rather than a lot of people He cannot trust. He already knows who we are.

 

[timf]

Perhaps God cursed the earth because when we go our own way, if things are too easy we are more likely to harm ourselves and others with our self-indulgences.

Throughout history prosperity spells disaster for civilizations.

 

[Judith]

I have never heard anyone make that statement. That being said if a believer feels that in their heart then it may be true for them. Poor Christians may be what God uses to test the rich ones. We know in scripture that there was some really poor Christians.

 

[Dave G]

I see nothing inherently wrong with being rich as a believer...
But I see the Scripture telling us that there aren't many rich, who are saved:

" Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?" ( James 2:5 ).

Those that are, I believe have been made so... in order to bestow the grace that has been given them, to others.