A God-Honoring Lifestyle
Editor’s note: This is the first in a six-part series of articles about maintaining a God-honoring lifestyle, excerpted from the book, Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn.
PART 1: Be Rich in Good Deeds
Regarding our attitude toward wealth, Jesus gave commands. Regarding our possessions and lifestyle, he gave us principles. Jesus did not hand us a list of what we can and cannot own, and how we can or cannot spend money. Jesus didn't say just one thing about money and possessions. He said many things. They aren't random clashing noises, but a carefully composed melody and harmony to which we must carefully listen as we develop our lifestyles. If Jesus gave us a checklist, we would not have to depend prayerfully and thoughtfully on him to guide us into the kind of lifestyle that pleases him. On the one hand, Christ says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth" (Matthew 6:19). On the other hand, Paul gives the following instructions:
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
- 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Note that Paul doesn't say what he easily could have: "Command those who are rich to stop being rich." The implication is that there is legitimate diversity in the amount of money and possessions held by Christians. Most early Christians weren't people of high social standing (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). “The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position” (James 1:9). That “high position” was their position in Christ as God's heirs (Romans 8:17). Believers who lived in humble circumstances weren't second-class but of equal importance and value (1 Corinthians 12:21-23). As a result of persecution, some believers lost their possessions and social status and became poor (Hebrews 10:34).
Other believers were well-to-do, which explains why Paul can address those he calls “rich” in the church. One of the first converts was the Ethiopian eunuch, who was “an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians” (Acts 8:27). He was a wealthy man with a huge sphere of influence. Cornelius had great political power and wealth. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus had a large home, as did Mary the mother of Mark, who had servants and in whose house “many people” gathered to pray (Acts 12:12). As the church spread before there were church buildings, meetings took place in the sizable homes of the more wealthy believers.
Priscilla and Aquila, accomplished tent makers, were people of means. Not only did a church meet in their house (1 Corinthians 16:19), but they were also able to leave their home in Rome, travel to Corinth, buy or rent another home (the one in which the church met), and rebuild their business. When they traveled with Paul, they likely did so as self-supported missionaries.
Those in earlier stages of life who may not have much to contribute to Kingdom causes should not be intimidated by affluent church members—nor pass judgment on them. In the same way, the more affluent should not marginalize or look down on the less affluent for their lessened capacity to contribute—because God hates partiality (James 2:1-9).
There's no room for making wealth a source of security, for lacking generosity or hospitality, or for an unwillingness to share. Still, Paul leaves a door open for Christians to be “rich in this present world”—but only if they carefully follow the accompanying guidelines related to their open-handed use of that wealth. The rich are not told they must take a vow of poverty. They are told essentially to take a vow of generosity. They are to be rich in good deeds, quick to share, and quick to part with their assets for Kingdom causes. In doing so, they will lay up treasures in heaven.
Faith & Finance Perspective:
The amount of wealth you have is not—nor should be—an indicator of your desire or capacity to live a God-honoring lifestyle. In fact, more money can lead to harder decisions, greater conflict, and more complexity when it comes to managing wealth.
Regardless of how much you have, prayerfully ask God to help guide you through the decisions you make regarding managing your wealth. As our loving Father, He is wholly committed to providing for our needs—but also delights in giving us the desires of our hearts. That’s not a license to satisfy every earthly craving with our discretionary spending but rather a demonstration of His intent to bless His children. And as our hearts align with His, we will awaken to a fresh passion for building His Kingdom on earth—whether through the local church, the global work of The Alliance, or other causes that address the needs of lost, marginalized, and suffering people.
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
- James 2:1–5