The Bible’s Perspective on Excessive Wealth: Serving God or Greed?

Does the Bible have any say on the topic of having excessive amounts of money? This is a question that often arises, especially in today's world where wealth disparity is more pronounced. Interestingly, while the Bible does touch on the subject, it does so from a perspective of responsibility rather than defining what constitutes "excessive" or "proper" wealth.

Defining "Excessive" in Biblical Context

Firstly, it is worth noting that the Bible does not explicitly define what “excessive amounts of money” means. The issue, rather, lies in how individuals utilize the wealth they have been given. Financial abundance does not inherently make a person good or evil; it is the moral and ethical use of that wealth that truly matters.

One must remember that in biblical times, resources and wealth were communal in many ways, and the idea of individual wealth was not as prevalent as it is today. The concept of serving God involves rightly representing Him in the use of one's resources, whatever those resources might be. Matthew 6:24 emphasizes that one cannot serve two masters—God and money. This scripture is a call to make a clear distinction between earthly wealth and divine faith.

Jesus’ Teachings on Wealth and Faith

Jesus' teachings on wealth are clear and direct, with a strong emphasis on faith and servitude to God. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus states, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." This statement underscores the importance of choosing to serve God over monetary gain, urging individuals to prioritize their relationship with God over anything else.

Jesus also faced a wealthy man who sought advice on how to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. When the man asked Jesus what additional action he needed to take to inherit eternal life, Jesus replied, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me" (Matthew 19:21). This teaching highlights the principle that true wealth lies not in earthly possessions but in the character and faith that brings one into a right standing with God.

Provision from God and Humility

The Bible is rich in teachings about provision and humility. Many passages emphasize the importance of recognizing that all resources come from God, and it is fitting to use them in a way that glorifies Him. Ephesians 4:28 encourages believers to "Do not steal but live honestly and work, providing for your own needs and the needs of others." This guides individuals to not only meet their needs but also to aid others in need.

Proverbs 3:9-10 further reinforces this idea: "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will burst with new wine." Here, the Bible instructs that giving to God first and using our resources for His glory will result in abundant blessings.

The Use of Wealth and Spiritual Discipleship

Furthermore, the Bible cautions against becoming overly attached to one's wealth, as this can lead to a heart of greed and idolatry. Jesus taught, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). This means that our priorities become evident in how we spend our time and money.

When faced with wealth and the opportunity to serve, believers are encouraged to look beyond themselves. Philippians 4:15-16 provides an example of practical charity: "When I was in Thessalonica and lived there a short time, not taking advantage of anyone's submission to me, for a workman is worthy of his wages. I will not go around boasting about what we accomplished for you, as I could boast among the unbelievers; for we do not want your faith to be effective for our sake, but for yours." This passage highlights the importance of selfless service and generosity.

Conclusion: A Call to Righteous Living

In conclusion, the Bible does not define "excessive wealth"; rather, it emphasizes the importance of proper use of resources. The key is not in the accumulation of wealth but in how it is distributed, how it is given to others, and how it is used to serve God. By doing so, one can ensure that wealth is not an idol but a tool for God's greater glory.

May all believers be guided by these principles and strive to use their resources effectively, serving God and others.