Wealth and Prosperity

This morning I felt like I should read some verses from 1 Timothy. There are two sets of verses:

1 Timothy 6:3-5 NIV
[3] "If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, [4] they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions [5] and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain."

- and -

1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV
[17] "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. [18] Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. [19] In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

It is clear the theme is financial gain and wealth this morning. Paul has two significant things to say. First, in verse 5 he makes it very clear that the idea that godliness is a means, or path to financial gain is devoid of the truth! This doesn't mean that God doesn't bless us, but it is directly opposing the prosperity gospel message that God wants to bring financial gain to all His followers, and the more you have the more He loves you and is pleased by you and your godliness. He says that those who think that way have a corrupt mind, and are robbed of the truth.

He also doesn't have a problem with wealthy people, as he indicates in verses 17-19. His only encouragement is that they do good with their resources. He encourages them to be generous and willing to share, to do good deeds. He doesn't command them to sell everything and give to the poor. The truth is that we need people with resources in the Body of Christ, in the church, to help provide for those without. He doesn't preach a redistribution of wealth, but rather a good deed and sharing focus. He does warn the wealthy against arrogance and pride, reminding them that God is ultimately the provider of all.

I think it is refreshing to hear balance and right perspective in this area of wealth and prosperity for so often this is an area of abuse, and wrong teaching. The church is not in place to make the pastor wealthy. There is not a requirement to sell all and embrace poverty to be holy. There is no special blessing on believers to make them wealthy. God loves us all and He provides for us all. He invites all of us, rich and poor to enter into relationship wth Him, and with the rest of the Body of Christ. He calls us to have compassion and mercy on each other, and as our hearts lead us, to share that which we have been given with those in need. The NIV translation, in verse 17 and 18, uses the word command, and that can give a wrong connotation to what Paul said. The Greek word can be translated that way, but its first definition means to give a message or instruction. In other words, it is not a hard command, but rather encouragement and instruction.

So let us think with a balanced perspective about wealth and prosperity. Let us recognize that the Lord is our provider, and let us do good deeds and share freely from what we have received.