In March 2010, Forbes brought out their annual list of billionaires. Although the world was in the middle of a recession these super wealthy found a way to become even wealthier.
Wow I thought, amazing! What was it that caused those people to do so well even during horrible economic times? What differentiated them from the other average struggling person who just couldn’t get it together? Was it talent, education, self-belief? Luck? All of the above?
But wait a minute. For every rich, successful talented individual out there, there are countless others just as talented or educated who will never achieve a tenth of the success these people have. It’s not like they are lacking ambition or are not working hard to build their dream. Yet the dream seems to just elude their grasp. Then I thought. Where does God fit into all of this?
There are four important points to consider if you want to become successful God’s way. Of course, there are many other considerations that will be discussed in other articles but I think these four are a good place to start.
1. Wealth comes at the Lord’s discretion.
The bible acknowledges that it is God who gives the power to become wealthy. As David prays in 1 Chronicles 29:12, “Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.” – NIV
Sure there are certain common character traits and habits of very successful people and by learning and mimicking these habits we too can achieve a measure of their success. But the power to become great is not only a natural phenomenon and the ability to amass riches comes from the Lord.
2. Not every Christian is supposed to be rich.
I can remember when some christian teachers preached a prosperity gospel that basically told people that if they were not blessed with riches it was their fault because their faith was weak. People were encouraged to buy tapes, books, cloths, make pledges, donations etc, in order to receive a financial blessing.
While the concept of giving is a sound christian, financial principle through which we receive God’s blessing, what ended up happening was that the teachers themselves became rich from offerings and book sales while many of those who gave but did not get the financial breakthrough were left wondering why. The simple fact is that not everyone is meant to be rich.
Jesus said that the poor we would always have with us. And in Acts remember that the apostles and members of the early church were selling fields and homes etc. to get funds to help those members who did not have. Since the poor did not disappear at that time, I don’t think we will all become rich now. What I do think is that God want us to have abundance but that’s a discussion for another article.
Question – So if I am not given wealth does it mean that God loves me less, or that my faith is weak?
No. God loves us all with an everlasting love but He is more interested in our character and motives than in our comfort. If we trust in His faithfulness, mercy and love then we have to trust that He knows what is good for us. Not what we think is good for us but what He thinks is good for us. As Proverbs 15:16 puts it, Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil. – NIV
3. Why do you want to become rich?
The third thing to consider is why do you want to be rich? Is it to achieve a measure of security? To be able to buy things for yourself or your family? But what have you sacrificed in your striving and ambitions to gain wealth? Is it time with the family you love or your health because you are under constant stress and pressure? Have you found yourself willing to compromise your integrity?
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with being rich, true success is not only measured in dollars and cents. At the end of your life what really matters is not how much money you have in the bank because you cannot take it with you. We are cautioned against hording and putting our trust in material things and riches, which can be easily swept away. Let’s face it, the more we have accumulated, the more we have to lose – whether by inflation, theft, or some unpredictable natural disaster.
Rather, we are to build our treasures in heaven which cannot be destroyed. We build on relationships. We are kind, giving to the poor and needy. We trust God to take care of us. He watches the sparrows and provides for each of them. Indeed if He can do it for them certainly He knows what we need and is willing and more than able to supply it to us.
4. What part do my efforts play in acquiring wealth?
First of all God hates laziness and rewards diligence. Proverbs 13:4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. – NIV. The Message bible interprets it this way Indolence wants it all and gets nothing;
But the energetic have something to show for their lives.
Secondly, we are called to be excellent in all that we do. This means that we try our best in all aspects of our lives. We behave with integrity and honesty in our relationships. We don’t manipulate people for our own gain. We are compassionate. We are excellent employees and employers. We value people because God values them. We are givers.
But, we stop the constant striving with reckless ambition to get, get, get. You do not have to neglect your family or become an overachieving workaholic. Psalm 127: 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even while they sleep. – NAS paraphrase
What we need is balance. On the one hand we are not envious, lazy or looking for handouts, and on the other we do not become so consumed with our desire to acquire wealth that we sacrifice our morals or God’s standards to achieve it. Inevitably we should aim to be content with whatever means God has provided us with – whether much or little. Giving thanks to Him always for everything and trusting Him to continue to provide for us whatever we need.