I agree about deceitfulness of riches and so on, but I believe God's economy is beyond our imagination especially when you look at the heavenly city adorned as it is. In my thinking we would struggle to even comprehend what transparent gold is and the enormous pearls on the gates of the city based on what we know today as being rich.Grandfather wrote: ↑Wed Nov 13, 2019 7:15 pmI am not opposed to people being wealthy. And I will acknowledge the Bible tells us of men who served God and were very well off. However, it is wrong to attribute wealth or financial blessing with the blessing of God. And I agree, Jesus never taught it was wrong to have wealth.luchnia wrote: ↑Wed Nov 13, 2019 12:43 pmWhat are your thoughts about Abraham, one who was very rich in gold and silver and had a private army? Then we have Solomon of untold wealth. King David was not a poor man. Of course, finally Jesus who knew His wealth and owned it all from the Father and wasn't afraid to talk about it. He paid the taxes of two men from a fishes mouth.Grandfather wrote: ↑Sun Nov 10, 2019 5:16 pm There is an abundance of thought missing from this discussion.
First, the question you asked does not address the definition of RICH. In America even what we consider poor is richer than the vast majority of the rest of the world.
After that, nothing addresses obedience - perhaps it should ask if Christian, regardless of their wealth, should be willing to give away all of their money. Another question might be how much is enough? Another question is what is one doing with their wealth to advance the kingdom of God.
I would welcome a discussion on these matters, one that avoids using the correct words but displays the attitude of the heart.
I think it all boils down to were one places his heart when it comes to riches and maybe obedience plays into this. Saints know loving money is a dead end path. Jesus words to the rich young ruler were most interesting, yet Jesus never taught it was wrong to have money. I think it was all about balance.
That being said, the Bible does talk about the deceitfulness of riches. It does talk about being a steward of money and using it for the advancement of the Kingdom. It does talk about using the position of wealth to help the community around you. And it does question the hoarding of money to oneself.
And while you mentioned those that scripture calls rich, we should also not that Jesus asked someone to look after his mother, there was no trust set up for her. He was buried in a borrowed tomb and couldn't afford his own. The Apostles were not rich, Paul had to work to support his ministry. Now, I am not promoting vows of poverty.
I simply believe that in God's economy prosperity means something different than what the western church world assumes.
I wonder though why you think that attributing financial blessings to God is wrong and why you think Jesus was poor simply because there was a choice that He follow a certain path that He did during that time frame.