Is Being Wealthy Unspiritual?

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 7
 
The real question is not about what a person possesses, but about what possesses a person.
Lot, who had plenty wanted more. The “love of money” possessed him, causing him to make a terrible decision that ultimately cost him everything.
On the other hand, it was fellowship with Jehovah (not wealth) that possessed Abraham’s heart. Though rich in possessions, he lived in a wilderness tent and there enjoyed the presence of God (Gen. 18).
The Bible is clear. In 1 Timothy 6:6-196But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 13I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. 17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:6‑19), it is not money that is “the root of all evil”; rather, it is the love of money that pierces through with many sorrows.
“They that will be rich” is a warning directed to those who, not being content, are possessed with a desire to get goods. What they receive is not abundant possessions, but abundant grief (1 Tim. 6:99But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (1 Timothy 6:9)).
“Them that are rich” is directed towards those who have wealth and possessions. God expects them to use their prosperity for the good of those who have not.
But the danger is that believers with very few possessions may begin to view those with much as unspiritual. Such thinking may come from unjudged spiritual pride or secret covetousness. If we find our full delight and satisfaction in the Lord Jesus, what others have or don’t have will be of little concern to us, and we won’t be making judgments about spirituality based on others’ material possessions.
The Apostle knew both “how to be abased” and “to abound” how to “abound and to suffer need.” He wasn’t possessed by wealth or the lack of it. He was possessed of Christ (Phil. 3:1212Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12)).
Ed.