Celestial Diary

I was caught off guard when someone asked me, ‘To what extent should Christians pursue wealth?’ The question suggested that making money (no matter the means) isn’t inherently bad, especially if it supports tithing and church activities. The person even brought up the example of those who work on Sundays, questioning whether it indicates a lack of love for God.

Before sharing my perspective on the issue, let’s explore three biblical references that have addressed this matter.

Mark 8: 36-37
³⁶ For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 
³⁷ Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

It’s truly sad to imagine being the wealthiest person on earth, indulging in all the luxuries money can provide, only to face an eternity burning in hell. Such a fate is something I wouldn’t even wish upon my worst enemy.
This verse doesn’t dismiss the possibility of being rich while also serving God. Instead, it draws attention to the desires of our hearts.
Are we constantly pursuing wealth and neglecting spiritual matters? This is the real issue with the pursuit of wealth. By the time we’re done working, we’re too tired to even read the bible causing us to backslide gradually.
While money has the potential to open many doors, we must be cautious regarding the types of doors we open, as wealth can lead us to dangerous places and tempt us into participating in corrupt activities.

Matthew 6:31-34
³¹ “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 
³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 
³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

It is a part of human nature to worry about things but a big part of Christianity is believing in God and trusting in Him. Why should He intervene when you already feel like you can do everything yourself?
In verse 33 the bible tells us to first follow God and everything will else follow and as abstract as it may sound, it really is that simple. Just by serving God in spirit and in truth, half of our problems are solved.
Does it mean we won’t encounter trouble and distress? No. It simply means that no matter what we’re going through, God is on our side and He will take care of our problems for us. Of course we still have to pray about it and put in effort to solve the problem at hand while acknowledging that He will take care of it.
Many times, I find myself stressed and losing sleep over the issues of life. However, the moment I release my worries and surrender them to God, solutions miraculously appear. This pattern has repeated itself countless times, and yet, when faced with new challenges, the human part of me still worries and stresses out. Our loving Father in heaven knows our needs even before we can think of them, and He consistently provides what is good for us at the appointed time.

Ecclesiastes 5:10
Whoever loves money never has enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.
This too is meaningless.

Almost everyone desires financial comfort. Who wouldn’t want to live a life of ease? If given the choice between riches and poverty, the answer is evident. While money can’t solve every problem, it does solve a majority of our problems (let’s be honest with ourselves). However, this verse is addressing greed. Some individuals love money to the point of being willing to harm others for it (and even commit murder). Money has a peculiar way of bringing out the worst in people, and no matter how much one earns, it often seems insufficient. Even millionaires struggle with their own level of financial problems and constantly seek ways to accumulate more wealth. In reality, it’s an endless race. So, why invest time and energy in a rat race that will perish with the earth? Instead, consider investing in everlasting riches beyond this world, securing a future reunion with our Father.

There are many bible verses that address the issue of greed and riches HOWEVER God isn’t against us working and living a comfortable life. In fact there are multiple scriptures that show this:

Proverbs 12:11
Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.

Stop dreaming of winning the lottery and actually put in some work! Wherever you sow, you shall reap the rewards. Be careful of the kind of job you do (look for honest jobs), do your best to be diligent and you won’t lack food.

1 Timothy 5:8
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

There is no acceptable excuse for a man/woman who has the opportunity to work and earn decent wages to fail in providing for their household. Neglecting this responsibility is worse than not believing.

2 Corinthians 9:7
 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 

To be able to give unto God, we need to have the resources. God expects gratitude from us and this can be done in various ways. The more He gives us, the more He expects from us. So when your paycheck lands, don’t forget the Lord that made it all possible.

At the end of the day, money serves as one of the means necessary for survival in this temporary world. However, it should not gain control over us or divert our attention from our primary goal – building a relationship with God and securing our eternal companionship with Him.
Whether one is barely surviving or living in abundance, it is crucial to never forget to express gratitude to God (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), give back to Him (Mark 12:17), and extend help to the needy around us (Luke 6:28).

We only have one God whom we’re to serve. Anything else we prioritize will become the new god, hindering the fellowship we ought to have with our Father in heaven.

Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Stay Blessed x