Faith & Money: Can Christians Pursue Wealth?

Money and faith—can they really go together?

We’ve all heard it: “Don’t love money.” But let’s be honest—money is a big part of life. Without it, things get tough.

So, should Christians avoid wealth? Or is financial success something God blesses?

What does the Bible actually say about money, wealth, and faith? Let’s take a closer look.

1️⃣ Is Money Itself the Problem?

The Bible never says money itself is evil. But it does warn us about the love of money.

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.”
(1 Timothy 6:10, ESV)

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
(Matthew 6:21, ESV)

💡 Money is just a tool. But when it starts controlling our hearts, that’s when trouble begins.

The real question isn’t whether you have wealth, but how you use it.

2️⃣ Rich People in the Bible—Blessed or Condemned?

The Bible is full of wealthy individuals who honored God with their riches:

✔ Abraham – God blessed him abundantly, yet he remained faithful. (Genesis 13:2)
✔ Job – A wealthy man who worshiped God, lost everything, and was later blessed with even more. (Job 42:10)
✔ Nicodemus & Joseph of Arimathea – Wealthy men who used their resources to honor Jesus. (John 19:39)

But then, there are those whose wealth led them astray:

❌ The Rich Young Ruler – He couldn’t give up his possessions to follow Jesus. (Matthew 19:21-22)
❌ The Foolish Rich Man – He stored up treasures for himself, but God called him a fool. (Luke 12:20)

💡 Lesson: Wealth itself isn’t sinful. But when it replaces God in our hearts, that’s a serious problem.

3️⃣ Is Poverty Automatically a Virtue?

Here’s another trap: thinking that being poor automatically makes you righteous.

❌ The Pharisees thought they were better than others. Jesus rebuked their self-righteousness. (Luke 18:9-14)
❌ Greed isn’t limited to the rich. Even the poor can be consumed with a desire for wealth. (Exodus 20:17)
❌ Judging wealthy people can become its own form of pride. (Romans 14:4)

💡 Poverty doesn’t guarantee holiness. Trusting in God—rich or poor—is what truly matters.

4️⃣ “God, Make Me Wealthy for Your Glory”—Check Your Heart

Some people pray, “Lord, bless me financially so I can do more for Your kingdom.”

That sounds good, right? But is it really about God… or is there a hidden selfish desire in that prayer?

“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.”
(Proverbs 16:2, ESV)

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”
(James 4:3, ESV)

💡 Instead of focusing on becoming rich for God, we should ask:

✅ Am I already using what I have for God’s glory?

5️⃣ How Should Christians Use Money?

If God blesses you financially, here’s what to do with it:

1️⃣ Use Wealth to Glorify God

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
(1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV)

💡 Make sure your finances reflect a life that honors God, not just yourself.

2️⃣ Help Those in Need

“Sell your possessions, and give to the needy.”
(Luke 12:33, ESV)

💡 Generosity is a biblical command. Wealth is meant to be shared.

3️⃣ Don’t Let Money Control You

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
(Matthew 19:24, ESV)

💡 Ask yourself: Does money serve me, or do I serve money?

🔥 Final Thoughts—It’s Not About Wealth, It’s About Worship

✔ Money itself isn’t evil, but it can be dangerous.
✔ Many biblical figures were wealthy, but their faithfulness mattered most.
✔ Poverty doesn’t make someone righteous, and wealth doesn’t make someone sinful.
✔ Before asking God for wealth, ask yourself: Am I already using what I have for His glory?

Are you controlling your money, or is your money controlling you?

No matter your financial situation, is God truly your greatest treasure?

🙏 Let’s reflect on that today.