Is It Okay for Christians to Be Wealthy?
Riches aren’t the problem — loving them is.
Absolutely — it is okay for Christians to be wealthy. But Scripture also gives us strong warnings and wisdom about how wealth is viewed, used, and valued in the life of a disciple of Jesus.
Let’s look at what the Bible really says, and what a healthy, godly perspective on wealth looks like for believers today.
❤️ The Tension We All Feel
Maybe you’ve asked yourself this before:
“Is it wrong to want a nice house, financial freedom, or to enjoy what I’ve worked for?”
Or maybe you’ve looked around your church and wondered why some believers seem to have so much, while others struggle to make ends meet. You might feel guilty for wanting to earn more — or frustrated by financial lack despite your hard work and faithfulness.
Money is one of the biggest stressors in life — and one of the biggest spiritual battlegrounds.
Some Christians associate wealth with God’s blessing. Others are suspicious of it, pointing to verses about the dangers of riches. And many are caught in between, unsure what to believe.
But here’s the truth: The Bible never condemns wealth itself — only the misuse or idolatry of it.
So let’s dive into Scripture and explore what it really says. What does a godly relationship with money look like? Can Christians be wealthy and still follow Jesus fully? And how can we honor God with everything He’s entrusted to us?
🔍 What Does the Bible Say About Wealth?
1. God Owns Everything — and Gives to Whom He Wills
“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
— Psalm 24:1
The Bible is clear: God is the owner; we are stewards. Whatever wealth we have comes from Him — not just as a reward, but as a responsibility.
In Deuteronomy 8:18, Moses warns Israel not to forget the Lord “for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
This doesn’t mean everyone will be rich. But it does mean we must view wealth not as personal achievement, but as something entrusted to us for God’s purposes.
2. Many Biblical Figures Were Wealthy — and Faithful
Abraham was “very rich in livestock, silver, and gold” (Genesis 13:2). Job was called “blameless and upright,” and yet he was “the greatest man among all the people of the East” (Job 1:3). King David and Solomon had extraordinary wealth — and Solomon even asked God for wisdom, not riches, but was given both (1 Kings 3:11–13).
The New Testament also includes wealthy believers:
- Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man, offered his tomb for Jesus’ burial (Matthew 27:57–60).
- Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth (a luxury item), helped fund and host the early church (Acts 16:14–15).
- Zacchaeus, a tax collector, repented of greed but still retained wealth — and used it generously (Luke 19:8–9).
3. Jesus Warned More About Money Than Almost Anything Else
Although wealth isn’t inherently evil, Jesus constantly warned about its power to enslave the heart:
“No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.”
— Matthew 6:24
He called money a master — and said that loyalty to one means enmity with the other.
The rich young ruler (Mark 10:17–27) is one of the most sobering examples. He kept all the commandments — but couldn’t part with his possessions to follow Jesus. The wealth wasn’t evil, but it owned him.
That’s why Jesus said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (v. 23). Not because riches keep us out — but because the heart is easily captured by comfort, security, and status.
🛠️ How to Be a Faithful Christian with Wealth
If you’re wealthy — or seeking to become wealthier — here are some key biblical principles for living faithfully:
1. See Yourself as a Steward, Not an Owner
Everything you have is God’s. Your home, savings, job, income, and investments. Your role is to manage them for His glory and the good of others.
Ask: “Am I building my kingdom — or God’s?”
2. Live Generously and Open-Handedly
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
— 1 Timothy 6:18
Generosity is not a suggestion — it’s a sign of spiritual maturity. Give cheerfully, sacrificially, and regularly. Support your local church, missions, the poor, and ministries that bear fruit.
3. Avoid Materialism and Lifestyle Creep
It’s easy to let spending rise with income. But the Bible commends contentment over consumption:
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
— 1 Timothy 6:6
Don’t be afraid to enjoy what God provides — but don’t let it define you.
4. Don’t Use Wealth to Measure God’s Favor
Some Christians believe that prosperity is a sign of faith, and poverty a sign of failure. But that’s not biblical.
Jesus had no home (Matthew 8:20). Paul often went hungry (Philippians 4:12). God may bless financially — or He may refine you through lack. Don’t confuse wealth with worth.
5. Use Your Wealth to Bless Others and Further the Kingdom
That’s why God gives wealth: To be a channel of blessing, not a reservoir of self-indulgence.
Build schools, support missions, help single moms, relieve debt, send Bibles, fund orphanages — invest in eternity.
🪞Heart Check: What’s Really Driving You?
Being rich isn’t wrong. But loving money is.
“The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”
— 1 Timothy 6:10
So the real issue isn’t your net worth — it’s your heart posture.
Ask yourself:
- Am I trusting in money more than God?
- Would I still follow Jesus if I lost it all?
- Is my identity shaped by success or surrender?
- Do I cling to wealth or lay it at Jesus’ feet?
We must constantly bring our ambitions, fears, and desires into the light of the gospel.
Because money can never give what only God can — identity, security, peace, purpose.
🌱 You’re Not Alone in the Battle
It’s hard to live in a materialistic culture and not be shaped by it.
But you’re not the only one wrestling with these questions. From the early church to today, countless believers have had to learn how to handle wealth in a Christ-honoring way.
God doesn’t shame you for having wealth — or for wanting to succeed. He simply calls you to trust Him more than your bank account.
The Holy Spirit empowers you to live generously, walk in contentment, and use everything for His glory. And when you stumble, Jesus offers grace, not guilt.
📣 Walk Forward in Faith
Yes, Christians can be wealthy. But they must be watchful, wise, and willing to surrender it all to Jesus.
So what will you do with what you’ve been given?
Will you serve God or money? Will you build treasure on earth — or in heaven?
Take time to pray and reflect:
Sample Prayer
Lord, everything I have is Yours. Thank You for providing for me — whether in abundance or need. Please guard my heart from greed, pride, or false security. Teach me to be a faithful steward, generous giver, and wise manager of all You entrust to me. May my wealth, however much or little, bring glory to You and bless others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Journaling Questions
- What emotions come up when you think about wealth — fear, pride, shame, ambition?
- How can I use my current resources (big or small) for God’s kingdom?
- What’s one way I can grow in generosity this month?
Want to keep growing in this area? Check out related resources on generosity, contentment, and biblical stewardship.
Let Jesus shape your view of wealth — and you’ll find freedom far greater than financial gain.