Financial Discipleship - the Bible on MultiplicationSample

INVESTMENT WARNINGS

Let’s face it—most people want to get rich. I’ll never forget how surprised I was the first time I realized the Bible’s caution against it: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9, NIV). This verse declares that those who want to get rich give in to temptations and desires that ultimately lead to ruin. Wanting to get rich is incredibly dangerous, but why?

The next verse answers that question: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10, NIV). When we want to get rich, we actually love money. That has consequences I witnessed firsthand. Mike, a close friend, became consumed by a desire to get rich. He finally abandoned his wife and four young sons and later denied Christ.

For much of my life I too wanted to become rich. Not just a little rich, but filthy rich! So dealing with this attitude in my own heart has been difficult. Here’s what I discovered: When I wanted to get rich, my motivations were pride, greed, or an unhealthy urge to prepare for uncertain economic times. I loved money. However, after I learned God’s perspective, my motive completely changed. I wanted to be a faithful steward, wisely investing the money God entrusted to me. I simply wanted to please Him. I loved God.

Is it wrong, then, to become rich? No, that’s not what I’m saying here. Many heroes of the faith, such as Job, Abraham, and David, were rich. In fact, I rejoice when God enables a person who has been a faithful steward to prosper. Nothing is wrong with becoming wealthy if it is a by-product of being faithful.

(excerpt taken from The Compass Curriculum, 2023)