Blessings

Blessings

Is it okay to try to become wealthy?

God’s Response

The LORD was with Joseph and blessed him greatly as he served in the home of his Egyptian master . . . giving him success in everything he did. Genesis 39:2-3

With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes. Psalm 60:12

The LORD blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning. . . . Job lived 140 years after that, living to see four generations of his children and grandchildren. Then he died, an old man who had lived a long, good life. Job 42:12, 16-17

The Bible mentions many rich people who loved God without saying anything negative about their wealth (e.g., Abraham, David, Joseph of Arimathea, Lydia). Scripture doesn’t focus on how much money you have, but rather on what you do with it. One thing is clear: Wherever your money goes, your heart will follow after it. Jesus said, “Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be” (Matthew 6:21). So work hard and succeed without guilt, but then work just as hard to find ways of pleasing God with your generosity.

God’s Challenge

God has given gifts to each of you. . . . Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you. 1 Peter 4:10