The Camel, the Needle Head, and the Rich Man: What Christians Really Think About Wealth

They say money makes the world go round.

You use money to buy basic necessities like food, clothes, and shelter. You use it to pay the bills. You also use it to purchase other things like cars, gadgets, and vacations. Indeed, money can buy you things that will both put food in your mouth or simply make you happy.

In a world where society puts so much emphasis on living with a materialistic mindset, many Christians find themselves turning to the Scriptures in search of guidance in the aspect of wealth. What do Christians really think about wealth?

The Camel, the Needle Head, and the Rich Man

The Bible is rife with stories regarding this topic, one of which refers to the time when Jesus lamented a rich man’s attachment to his wealth.

According to the gospel of Matthew, a rich man asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life. In reply, Jesus told him to keep all the commandments. The man stated that he has done so, and further asked what he still needs to do.

Then Jesus told him to sell his possessions, give them to the poor, and follow Him. After hearing this, the rich man walked away sadly as he was unwilling to let go of all his possessions.

After this conversation, Matthew 19:23-24 says, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’”

Based on this story, should wealth then be accepted or condemned?

Good or Bad: The Biblical Perspective on Wealth

Considering that people need money to go on with their day-to-day activities, many Christians are wondering about the Biblical basis for earning and spending money. What do Christians think about wealth?

In the context of finances, the Christian community is somehow divided on the matter. On the one end, there are those who believe in prosperity as God’s will for all believers. On the other, there are those who condemn wealth, saying that there is no such thing as a “rich Christian.”

As with everything, living the Christian life should always be based on the Scriptures. Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible teaches about wealth:

1. The Bible does not condemn wealth per se, but attaches a warning to it.

The Old and the New Testaments contain stories of the lives of people blessed with abundant riches—Abraham, King Solomon, Job, and many more. Wealth is one of God’s promises. The apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

However, the Bible warns Christians of viewing wealth as the be-all and end-all of their purpose on earth. 1 Timothy 6:17 says, “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.”

Timothy further urged believers to do good deeds and be generous with their riches. This way, they are building their wealth in heaven (which is permanent) instead of on earth (which is only temporary).

2. Rich people were condemned due to their non-Biblical view of wealth.

The state of the economy these days pushes people to find more ways that will generate them a more stable income stream. Others take on more than one job, while others invest in businesses and the stock market.

While the concern over maintaining a good source of income is understandable, the Bible warns against unjust means of gaining wealth. This may include oppression, fraud, and other illegal ways to get money.

James 5:1-3 warns against rich oppressors, saying “Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.”

It may be true that these are trying times for one’s finances. However, constant anxiety over money will not do anyone any good. The Bible teaches Christians to put their hope in the Lord and to stop worrying. Luke 12:22-26 says, “Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”

3. Keep the right perspective on wealth.

When people have already accumulated riches, they may have the tendency to forget God and turn to their riches for security instead. Pride and arrogance are often the result of this.

Christians should always be on guard against the influences of money. Keep in mind that these riches are the fruits of God’s love and blessing. Jesus spoke of Mammon (Aramaic word for “riches”) in Luke 6:13, saying that “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Attachment to wealth is dangerous, as the story of the rich man illustrates. Contrary to popular belief, money is not the root of evil. It is the love of money that generates all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).

Nothing is wrong with wealth. However, Christians should always keep their hearts and minds on the Biblical principles regarding wealth. Do not let money be a hindrance to your commitment to God. Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the Kingdom and all these things will be given to you.”

About the Author: Elston Marcelo is an all-around marketing and investment guy. In the morning, he works as a marketing consultant for Business Aid Centre, a small business grants and loans assistance provider for government grants and business loans for qualified individuals and companies. In his free time, he writes for blogs and shares his knowledge through different blogs on the internet.