Is It a Sin to Be Rich?

Is it a sin to be rich? Although most us do not consider ourselves “rich,” the truth is, we are rich in every sense of the word. Americans who are poverty-level are rich compared to most of the world. One-fifth of the world’s population lives on less than $1 a day. Yes, we’re rich! So that leads to the question, is it a sin to be rich? 1 Timothy 6:6-10 provides insight on this important topic.

⁶  Now godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. ⁸  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. ⁹  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. ¹⁰  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NKJV)

In this passage, Paul gives us several reminders about money….

Money Reminders

• God owns everything.  The reason we bring nothing into the world and take nothing out of the world is because it all belongs to God in the first place. We’re not owners; we’re managers. We manage what God gives us to manage.
• It’s our attitude that counts. When it comes to money, attitude is everything. Paul reminds us that godliness should be the thing we most want to accomplish. If we are godly, we will be content. We cannot be godly if we do not have an attitude of contentment that is based on our knowledge that God owns everything and that He will meet our needs.
• We can’t take it with us. Paul tells us that we take nothing out of this world. Although we can’t take it with us, Jesus taught that we can send “treasures” on ahead (Matthew 6:19-24).
• Money can cause us to fall away. We must always be on guard against the dangers of money. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Paul says we can be lured by the temptation of wanting to be rich. He calls it a trap, and describes it as foolish and harmful. He says that it leads to ruin and destruction.

No, it IS NOT a sin to be rich, but it is a PITY to be confused about what’s really important in life. It IS NOT a sin to be rich, but it is sad beyond words when a person does not understand the “true riches” that come from a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.