Christian Wealth

There are many attitudes and beliefs toward Christian wealth today. Almost from the very beginning of Christianity, there arose a variety of beliefs and attitudes regarding. The beliefs and attitudes towards Christians who are wealthy are as varied as the men and women who profess Christianity. Many view Christian wealth as being something that is visible.

It is believed that the man or woman who possesses the luxurious homes, luxury cars, jewelry and apparel is the person who possesses wealth and his or her abundance is evidence of God's blessings. Others view this Christian wealth as being something that is more spiritual and unseen. For those who hold this belief, the man or woman who appears to be operating on a more spiritual level and/or that fits the description of a servant is the person who truly possesses Christian wealth and material gain is an evil that should be avoided in Christian service.

Regardless of which view, if either, that you may adhere to the most, Christians and non-Christians alike recognize that, in today's society, money is a necessary part of life. The Christian, however, is called upon to have a different mindset then the world when it comes to money and wealth. The Christian, regardless of his or her financial status, is called upon to be a good steward over what he or she has been given by God.

A steward is defined as someone who manages someone else's property. In this case, a Christian is to recognize that he or she is managing God's property which has been entrusted to him or her in the form of finances or money. Now anyone can be a steward but whom constitutes as a good steward? The answer to this question can be found in Scriptures---in the Bible. Here are two key points to good stewardship.

First, a good steward recognizes that he or she has been entrusted with money as "a thing" which really belongs to God for Scripture states that God gives His people the power to get wealth (Deut. 8:18). As a good steward, a Christian also recognizes an obligation in giving to return the thing that is already God's property to Him in the form of tithes and offerings.

Second, a good steward uses his or her finances wisely and in balance. While we are living in a time of personal and national economic ups and downs, the Parable of the talents helps as a reminder that it is up to a man or woman to still be a good steward over the things of God. I Timothy 5:8 makes God's position regarding being a good steward clear: "But if any provideth not for his own, and especially those of his own house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel."

A good steward, therefore, motivated out of love for his or her family, stays in financial balance by not using finances wastefully, which can have a negative impact both individually and as a family unit. At the same time, however, a good steward also does not hoard resources or neglect to utilize available resources out of fear or not trusting God to continue His provision.

Attitudes and beliefs about Christian faith will change back and forth, as it has throughout history as our world view changes, yet God's Biblical principles to address how a Christian should conduct himself or herself in financial matters will endure the test of time.

To continue your education on how a Christian should conduct himself or herself in financial matters please review the following articles.