I probably write about this a lot. Maybe I think about it more than I write about it. When did so many Christians start believing that following Christ was supposed to be easy? When did so many think that because they follow Christ that they would be spared trials and tribulations in life? That their lives would be free from sorrow, heartache, sickness, failures, and disappointment? So many have believed this lie. 

Scrolling through reels and videos on social media, it doesn’t take very long to figure out where much of this heresy is coming from. There are some big name mega-church “pastors” claiming that God wants you to be rich, wealthy, comfortable, healthy, and “living your best life now.” Please point to Scripture and show me where that is the case. I’ll wait.

What does God’s Word say about wealth, riches, being comfortable, and “living your best life now”? 

One of the most common verses severely taken out of context is Romans 8:28. In this letter to the Romans, Paul writes, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” So many Christians think that “work together for good” means what they interpret as good, not what God does. This verse is so popular and looks great on a bookmark or a coffee mug, but this verse doesn’t mean that the “good” is always what we have planned in our own hearts and minds. Our hearts are wicked and we must never follow our hearts. That’s a whole different post that I will tackle at a later date. So no, we cannot trust our hearts because the motives in our hearts are evil and tainted by sin and desires that contradict God. In reality, the “good” Paul is speaking about may not even be experienced here on this earth. The “good” may not be experienced until we are present with Christ. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Okay, I’m back from chasing that rabbit now. What does the Bible say about riches and being comfortable here on this earth? Here are just a few passages to ponder and you can draw your own conclusions on what God says.

“Whoever trust in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.” 

Proverbs 11:28

“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”

Proverbs 11:4

“Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.”

Psalm 62:10

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.”

1 Timothy 6:17

I think the parable of the rich fool in Luke 1213-21 really sums up how God feels about wealth. Luke writes, “Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ But he said to him, ‘Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?’ And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundace of his possessions.’ And he told them a parable, saying, ‘The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

I think it is safe to say that God isn’t impressed with how big our stock portfolio is or how stacked our bank account is. God isn’t impressed with our car(s) or home(s). He is however impressed with our hearts and when our heart desires to serve Him. How do you find comfort and fulfillment in your Christian life? Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” “Living our best life now” is living a life of obedience, service, and worship to Christ.

He wants your heart.

If God doesn’t care about our money, and if He doesn’t promise riches or prosperity, what does the Bible say we should expect as Christians on this earth? If we aren’t promised wealth, doesn’t the Bible say we can live a comfortable life in other forms? Great questions! We will discuss those very things next post!