Does God want us to be rich?

It’s the feature article in Time magazine this week.

Many popular preachers in mainstream America today preach a prosperity gospel, the lead article claims, promising health and wealth to those who follow their church’s teachings. The reporters query as to whether God intends His followers to be wealthy or not as a reward for faithfulness.

I sighed when I read the article for its premise implied that wealth is measured materially and spiritual success is defined by a worldly status quo.

Are true riches material? I don’t think so.

I find relief in knowing Jesus Christ did not focus on worldly gain and social stature in his ministry. He focused on spiritual growth and commitment. True wealth to Jesus was heavenly, not earthly. It didn’t make any difference to him how much money someone possessed if their heart was in the right place. He loved the rich and the poor.

Perhaps a better question to ask would be, “Do you realize how rich you already are?”

God made us all rich from the beginning—rich with eternal life. Materialism cannot give us anything better.