Comments on: Which is More Godly: Poverty or Riches?

By: joeplemon

joeplemon — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:54:54 +0000

Deacon,
Yes, I believe that single perspective is the absolute starting point for understanding personal finance from a Christian viewpoint. Knowing that I am partnering with God is a huge concept; easy to understand but also easy to forget in day to day living. I hope to get it so deeply entrenched that it will become second nature in me no matter what happens around me.

Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. Stop by anytime!

By: Deacon Bradley

Deacon Bradley — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:38:41 +0000

Great post Joe! I especially like this observation: “Some seem to think that poverty is virtuous, while others preach that Christians should expect great wealth. Both views seem to forget the perspective that Christians are property managers for God’s assets.” Maintaining the focus that we are stewards has improved so many of my attitudes about money (generosity, management, giving, etc.).

By: joeplemon

joeplemon — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:22:00 +0000

Financial Bondage,
Your words summed it up well: “He does not want us seeking riches instead of him”.

And yes, Proverbs 30:8-9 are a great and insightful commentary on the dangers of either too much wealth or too much poverty.

By: FinancialBondage.org

FinancialBondage.org — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:13:22 +0000

God is not against riches. He just does not want us seeking riches instead of him. Of course if we are poor, we certainly can not help others financially.

I like proverbs 30:8-9

Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!
Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.
For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?”
And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name

By: joeplemon

joeplemon — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:44:13 +0000

Paul,

Thanks for pointing it out. If it wasn’t clear to you, it probably wasn’t clear to other readers. This discussion helps!

By: Paul Williams

Paul Williams — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:19:15 +0000

Ah, I see what you mean now, Joe. I’m sorry for the misunderstanding. Your explanation makes it much clearer. It’s still good to discuss though.
Paul Williams´s last blog ..Reflections on My Short-term Mission Trip to Haiti

By: joeplemon

joeplemon — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:52:10 +0000

Paul,

Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.

Yes, all Christians, as you said, are called to be generous. I John 3:17 certainly makes it clear. While it sounds like I am splitting hairs, I see a difference between being called to generosity and being gifted with generosity. I believe those who are GIFTED at generosity have received a special ability from God to be generous.

In the discussion of whether all Christians should desire great wealth, I said in my post, “we can expect that those who are gifted at generosity will manage more money than those who aren’t”. My logic is that those who are so gifted will keep a better perspective of what the wealth is for, while most of us probably wouldn’t.

My conclusion remains that not all Christians should desire great wealth. Great wealth is a blessing to those who are able to keep the proper perspective of ownership, but could be a curse to those who lose that perspective.

By: Paul Williams

Paul Williams — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:45:34 +0000

From what I read in 1 John 3:17, I find it hard to believe that not all Christians have the gift of generosity (or that it shouldn’t be expected of all Christians). It says:

“But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in him?” 1 John 3:17 (WEB)

If the love of God does not dwell in us, are we truly following Him? And it seems clear from this verse, among others, that God’s love will move us to sacrificial generosity out of compassion for the needy.

I just think it’s dangerous to think that not all Christians are called to generosity. After the extreme generosity God has shown us, how can our response be any different?

But your post is very good just the same. I, too, like the quote from Proverbs 30. When combined with Jesus example for prayer, those verses clearly show why praying for a huge house and fancy cars probably isn’t within God’s will.
Paul Williams´s last blog ..Reflections on My Short-term Mission Trip to Haiti