God and Wealth

Deut. 8:18 - But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

            If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. I’m sure we all have heard that cliché more than once, from friends, family or ever strangers. Although it is a simple phrase I think it can help us clear up a common misconception that has slipped into the psyche of Christians and The Church. The misconception I am talking about is how God distributes wealth to people. I think it’s pretty safe to say that in recent years a large bulk of Christians here in America have been overly concerned about how to become rich (which in and of itself is no sin). On Christian television and radio programs we hear sermons and opinions on how following the x, y, or z principle God will give you more wealth than we can handle. We see Christian authors selling books on how to become millionaires to their fellow brothers and sisters. We also see non-Christians such as Donald Trump in Christian venues also selling us “divine” insights to unlocking the key to wealth. Regrettably we see preachers and other religious leaders twisting scriptures, turning God into some big slot machine. Let me take a moment to say that there is nothing wrong with obtaining wealth as long as you are a good steward with it (1 Cor. 4:12). Moreover if you are a faithful follower of Christ and adhere to His precepts, especially the ones concerning money most likely you will be financially secure, but you should not be obeying Him just to gain money, because with God intention is everything.

            Some people believe that when the Lord promises something to someone in the Bible, that without exception that applies to every person on Earth. While some Christians know this to be false (acknowledging that in order to be privy to God’s promises you must first be a believer) they still keep the lie alive by believing that just because someone attends church, goes to seminary, or claims to be a Christian, etc., they are given access to the promises of the Lord. Outward obedience does not make you a disciple of Christ, inward and outward obedience does; Deuteronomy 8:11-18 shows this perfectly. Often times when I hear Deuteronomy 8:18 quoted I hear it by itself. Most of the time the verses that proceed it conveniently are left out (giving it no context) transforming it into one of those, “if it sounds too good to be true” Scriptures. Make no mistake about it verse 18 does assure us that Jehovah has the power to give wealth but who is He assuring of this in this verse? If we look at verses 11-17 we will see the answer to this. Moses is the one speaking these words and he is talking to the Hebrew people after they were led out of slavery in Egypt. They had already crossed over the Red Sea, made their way through 40 years in the desert, now they are about to enter the promised land of Canaan. Moses is reminding the people where they came from and who brought them there. Verses 11-17 reminds them of all of this to let them know that all the blessings and riches God is about to shower upon them is not because of their hands, it is not because they are just so special, it is not because they are so clever, no He is about to bless them because they have suffered but yet they remained with Him. They were not just outward followers; they were inward followers as well. Those decided to return to Egypt when the going got tough did not receive this promise. This promise to give us wealth is a weighty one that is preceded by staunch obedience on our behalf. Also notice that it does not say that if you do x, y and z you will receive wealth; instead it says remember what the Lord your God has done for you hold fast to Him knowing that He is the giver of wealth, that He will prosper you.

            Shouldn’t this be enough for us? Can’t we, like the ancient Hebrew people look back upon our lives and see countless blessings God has already given us, can’t we see numerous desert experiences that He has brought us out of, and can’t we be assured of His provision because of the bread we eat today. Can’t that be enough? Let’s be at peace knowing that great Giver of wealth loves us and will never forsake us.