Wealth and the Kingdom of God

Almost everyone wants to be wealthy, but it seems those who are wealthy are often criticized. Is wealth good or evil? What does the Bible say?

Think of what comes to mind when you hear these names and words: Donald Trump, Bill Gates, the 1 percent, celebrities, loaded, capitalist pig, millionaire, nouveau riche, old money, fat cat, moneybags, top dollar, multimillionaire, job creators, etc.

Did you make negative or positive associations? Either way, you did make some kind of association, because that’s how the brain works. The common theme was “wealthy” or “rich.” How wealth is defined often differs, based on people’s perspectives and backgrounds. But essentially we all agree that it means having a lot of money.

Matthew 19:23-24 says the following: “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’”

Jesus Christ’s statement brings up a very interesting question: Will those who are rich enter the Kingdom of God? Let’s tackle this by asking some questions. 

What’s so good about being wealthy?

Imagine a toddler being given a brand-new toy by his father—and the father’s feelings as he watches his child enjoy the toy and even share it with others. Now apply that to today. There are many examples of the wealthy being giving and charitable. Many wealthy people take care of their families and employees, give to charity and obviously enjoy their wealth themselves (Ecclesiastes 5:18).

Deuteronomy 8:18 says: “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” Some wealth is the result of God’s blessing and should be used to help provide for others. So, if wealth is a blessing from God and is owned by the generous, it is not a bad thing.

What’s so bad about being wealthy?

Think about that same little child saying, “Mine!” Unfortunately, this seems to be the approach of many who hold vast wealth. They don’t recognize it as a gift of God. They hoard it to themselves—making it their god.

The Bible refers to this in 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Then, verse 17 continues: “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.”

This is a very explicit warning about wealth that must be heeded. It also describes a responsibility that goes wholeheartedly against the idea of “I can do whatever I want with my money.” If this is the attitude we have, our wealth is not a good thing. It can actually be destructive to our character.

Will a rich man enter the Kingdom of God?

So, can a rich person enter God’s Kingdom? The answer is—it depends.

Whether we are rich or poor, our entrance into the Kingdom depends on our building personal, godly character. A wealthy person can develop godly character, but there are many pitfalls in his or her path. Wealthy people who are totally entrenched in this physical life, caring only about themselves and their possessions and wealth, are not headed to the Kingdom! If wealthy people are growing closer to God and using their wealth for godly purposes, they are headed to the Kingdom!

Wealth can be either a deceptive snare or a tool to provide for ourselves and help others. It can be an idol or it can be a blessing to be enjoyed and shared.

To learn more of what the Bible teaches about finances, read “Foundational Principles for Managing Family Finances.”