Preoccupied with Material Goods

This subject is considered taboo by many. More often than not, those who refuse to engage with it are the ones who spend their time listening to prosperity preachers. By focusing on such messages, the risk is high that we stray from biblical principles.

In writing this article, please note that I do not aim to trouble anyone. You might even think I am against people making money or possessing things, but my purpose is to clarify and correct our understanding when it comes to serving the Lord God Almighty.

I am not opposed to people owning things or having money in their lives. What I am opposed to is people starting to idolize money and material possessions over God, and it is so pathetic to see. Having clarified that, let’s move on to the article.

How is it that Christian leaders, even with extensive education—a bachelor’s, master’s, or even a doctorate in theology—still shy away from telling the truth? Isn’t the role of leadership to guide believers into all truth as revealed in Scripture? Knowledge becomes meaningless if not used to boldly and faithfully proclaim God’s Word.

Christian leadership is not about titles or degrees but about the responsibility to shepherd God’s people. When leaders fail to address foundational truths or avoid uncomfortable topics, they deprive believers of the spiritual nourishment they need to grow and withstand the challenges of faith. This isn’t just a disservice; it’s a grave failure to fulfill the calling entrusted to them.

Failing to teach or lead properly as a Christian leader goes beyond merely doing a poor job; it represents a profound betrayal of the sacred responsibility entrusted by God. Neglecting to share foundational truths or avoiding the full scope of God’s Word is not just unhelpful to believers—it is a significant moral and spiritual failing. Such actions underscore the immense accountability that accompanies leadership in the faith, calling leaders to uphold their duty with integrity and courage.

True leadership requires courage, integrity, and a deep commitment to God’s Word, even when the truth is inconvenient or unpopular. So, the question remains: Is your education equipping you to speak God’s truth boldly, or has it become a tool for status and self-preservation?

Scriptural Mandate for Truthful Leadership

John 16:13 (NIV): “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth, and spiritual leaders, empowered by the Spirit, are called to align with this mission by proclaiming God’s truth.

Ephesians 4:15 (NIV): “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

Leaders are instructed to speak the truth in love, helping believers grow into spiritual maturity.

Proverbs 12:17 (NIV): “An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.”

Truthfulness is an essential principle for Christian leaders, who are called to be faithful witnesses of God’s Word.

Titus 1:9 (NIV): “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”

Christian leaders have the responsibility to faithfully teach sound doctrine and defend the truth against opposition.

Grounded in Purpose: A Call to Christian Leaders

Why would a preacher or Christian leader shy away from teaching about a Christian’s primary purpose in this world? This should be the first lesson shared with a new believer upon accepting Christ. Establishing this understanding early on helps prevent surprise or discouragement when they encounter trials or challenges.

Sadly, many believers fall away because they were never taught the foundational truth of ‘our main purpose as Christians.’ Without a solid understanding of why we are called to follow Christ, it is easy to lose focus and become overwhelmed by the difficulties that come with living a life of faith.

The foundation of a Christian’s primary purpose is critical for a believer’s spiritual journey, especially for new believers. Here are key points to consider about a Christian’s primary objective in this world:

Foundation Matters:

Teaching the purpose of a Christian life early equips believers to navigate trials with clarity and perseverance. Without this understanding, faith may feel directionless, leading to discouragement.

Scriptural Support:

Jesus often spoke of the cost of discipleship, preparing His followers for the challenges they would face. For instance, He said, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me’ (Luke 9:23-24). Similarly, He reassured them, ‘In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33). Preachers should follow His example by emphasizing these truths.

Real-life Consequences:

Misaligned expectations can lead to a spiritual crisis. When believers are told that faith guarantees an easy life, they are left vulnerable to disillusionment when trials arise. Teaching the truth about the Christian journey helps guard against confusion and strengthens their resolve.

By teaching new believers their purpose in Christ—to glorify God, grow in faith, and serve others—Christian leaders can foster resilience, clarity, and trust in God’s plan. This equips them not just to survive trials, but also to thrive in their spiritual walk, becoming living testimonies of God’s faithfulness.

Why Foundational Teaching Matters

A strong foundation in understanding a Christian’s purpose is crucial for spiritual growth and resilience in faith. Avoiding this critical responsibility creates shallow roots, leaving believers vulnerable to doubt and disillusionment. Here’s why this truth must be emphasized:

Setting Expectations

New believers often enter the faith with various expectations, some of which may be unrealistic or incomplete. Teaching the primary purpose of a Christian life—glorifying God, spreading the Gospel, and living in service and obedience—sets the right foundation. This clarity prevents misunderstandings and helps believers navigate their journey with confidence.

Strengthening Faith

A clear understanding of why we follow Christ helps believers remain steadfast in trials. As Jesus Himself said, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Highlighting this early prepares believers to endure difficulties with trust in God’s promises.

Reducing Attrition

Sadly, many believers fall away from faith because they lack a firm grasp of the demands and rewards of the Christian life. Without early teachings about perseverance, sacrifice, and keeping an eternal perspective, hardships may be mistaken for God’s absence or personal failure. Teaching new believers about their purpose and the realities of the Christian life can help prevent them from losing their faith or giving up on their spiritual journey when challenges arise.

Biblical Precedence

Scripture provides a consistent example of leaders being upfront about the cost of following God. Jesus urged His followers to “count the cost” (Luke 14:28-33), ensuring they were fully aware of the commitment required. Paul, too, reminded believers of the trials they would face, emphasizing the joy and reward that come with enduring them for Christ’s sake.

When Christian leaders avoid teaching these foundational truths, they risk leaving believers unprepared for the realities of faith. Establishing this understanding early equips new Christians to grow spiritually, remain steadfast in trials, and fulfill their calling with confidence.

Faith Over Finances: Reclaiming the True Purpose of Christianity

Today, many so-called Christians are preoccupied with material goods. We did not come to Christ to become millionaires. If your mindset as a Christian revolves around becoming rich through serving Christ or giving your life to Him expecting material wealth in return, you are not ready to serve Him fully. Christ Jesus does not call us to pursue wealth; instead, He calls us to a life of devotion and service.

The primary purpose of following Christ is not to gain wealth or material prosperity. The Christian faith is about spiritual growth, devotion to God, and living a life of service according to the teachings of Jesus, rather than pursuing financial success or material riches. As a result, the true rewards of Christianity are spiritual and eternal, not material.

When God calls someone to serve Him, whether part-time or full-time, He also provides for their needs, ensuring they can focus on caring for His flock. However, serving God authentically means prioritizing the spiritual well-being of His people over personal gain.

If the focus shifts to building mega-churches solely for financial benefit or exploiting congregations for profit, it strays from the true purpose of ministry. A genuine calling requires faithfulness, humility, and a heart dedicated to serving others in alignment with God’s will.

What is troubling is how the world has become so preoccupied with sophistication that simplicity is now equated with poverty, as some people say. When someone chooses to live a modest, balanced life—one that aligns with how we are meant to live—the world pressures them to conform to a flashy, exaggerated lifestyle. Flashy cars, extravagant homes, and over-the-top appearances—it seems nothing ordinary is acceptable anymore.

What is even more concerning is seeing this mindset among believers. While it is expected in the secular world, as Christians, we are called to a higher standard, one that values humility and authenticity over worldly appearances. Yet, too often, believers fall into the trap of trying to portray an image that doesn’t reflect who they truly are.

The truth is, simplicity is not a lack of ambition; it’s a conscious choice to live within one’s means and honor God with integrity. If someone desires a lavish lifestyle, they are free to pursue it, but they should allow others the freedom to enjoy a simpler, contented life without judgment.

Ironically, those who genuinely possess wealth often don’t flaunt it—it’s a natural part of their lives, not something they feel the need to prove.

On the other hand, many who seek to appear wealthy often lack the resources to sustain such a lifestyle. They go to great lengths to impress others, striving to portray a life they don’t genuinely have.

But we must remember this: material possessions are temporary. If acquired dishonestly or used solely for vanity, they will eventually fade, leaving nothing lasting behind. Worse, such fleeting wealth rarely benefits future generations.

Instead, let us focus on building our wealth honestly and responsibly. When we do so, it becomes a blessing—not only for us but for those who come after us. Living with sincerity and purpose ensures that our legacy endures in ways that truly matter.

Faith, Finances, and the Christian’s True Calling

Having money in this world is not inherently bad; how we use and prioritize it matters. We need money to do important things, such as providing for our families, supporting the work of God, and helping those in need. However, the key is not to let the pursuit of money overshadow our commitment to God. Our primary objective should always be to serve Christ and live according to His teachings.

To succeed in life, begin with organization. Starting a business can be a great path, but for those not called to entrepreneurship, seeking a decent job that aligns with personal values and principles is equally honorable. It is important to choose a path that upholds integrity. Work diligently, manage income wisely, and invest in opportunities that generate additional revenue. Furthermore, when God calls someone to serve Him, whether part-time or full-time, He ensures their needs are met, allowing them to focus on caring for His flock.

However, always remember that wealth is a tool, not a goal. Use your resources to honor God, help those in need, and support the work of God. Balance your financial ambitions with spiritual growth and service, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from living a life devoted to God and His principles.

It is important to recognize that financial success often comes from practical efforts and prudent financial management. Rather than expecting to become wealthy through faith alone or the promise of prosperity preached by some, focus on tangible steps that contribute to economic growth. Faith in Jesus is about spiritual and moral guidance, not a guarantee of material riches.

One should not rely solely on their religious faith or divine intervention to achieve financial success. While faith is important for spiritual and moral guidance, achieving wealth typically requires practical actions such as hard work, saving, and financial planning.

Trusting God does not mean neglecting our responsibilities. Instead, faith inspires us to act wisely, trusting that God will guide and bless those efforts according to His will. Hard work, planning, and preparation are part of God’s design for managing life responsibly.

The Bible itself emphasizes the importance of diligence, planning, and stewardship in managing resources:

Proverbs 21:5 (NIV): “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
Proverbs 6:6-8 (NIV): “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”

These passages show that hard work, planning, and preparation are part of God’s design for managing life responsibly. While God can bless individuals in extraordinary ways, He often expects us to use the gifts, opportunities, and resources He provides.

Financial prosperity is generally the result of practical efforts rather than relying solely on divine intervention. As followers of Christ, we should not expect miraculous provision or help from God without engaging in practical efforts.

Here are several Bible verses that highlight the conflict between serving God and pursuing wealth, and the call to live a life fully devoted to Christ:

Matthew 6:24 (NIV): “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.”
1 John 2:15-17 (NIV): “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
James 4:4 (NIV): “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
Luke 16:13 (NIV): “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.”
Matthew 16:24-26 (NIV): “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?'”

Together, these passages emphasize the importance of sincere devotion to God and warn us against letting wealth take precedence over our faith. They collectively highlight the need to be fully committed to God, warning us not to let the desire for material wealth overshadow our spiritual values. In essence, these verses advise us to prioritize our faith and spiritual growth over the pursuit of financial gain.

Where in the Bible does it say God wants us to be rich?

The Bible does not explicitly state that God wants us to be rich regarding material wealth. However, there are some verses that prosperity preachers often interpret as suggesting that God desires material prosperity for His followers. Here are a few examples:

3 John 1:2 (NIV): “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”

– This verse is often interpreted as a wish for overall prosperity, including material wealth, but its main focus is on spiritual well-being.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

– This verse speaks of God’s plans for our welfare and future, but it is more about spiritual prosperity and overall well-being than material riches.

Proverbs 10:22 (NIV): “The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.”

– Although this verse mentions wealth as a blessing from the Lord, it does not suggest that material wealth is the primary goal of a faithful life.

It is important to note that the overall message of the Bible emphasizes spiritual wealth and relationship with God rather than material possessions. Here are a few verses that underscore this perspective:

Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV): “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NIV): “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Matthew 19:24 (NIV): “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.”

These verses highlight the potential spiritual dangers of pursuing material wealth and encourage believers to focus on spiritual riches and their relationship with God.

However, does God want us to work hard and be rich?

The Bible stresses the importance of hard work, diligence, and the responsible management of resources. However, it does not explicitly state that God wants everyone to be materially wealthy. Rather, it encourages a balanced perspective on work and wealth. Here are some key points and verses that address this issue:

1. Hard Work and Diligence:

“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” -Proverbs 12:11 (NIV)
“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” -Proverbs 13:4 (NIV)
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” -Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

2. Stewardship and Responsibility:

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” -1 Timothy 5:8 (NIV)
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” -Proverbs 21:20 (NIV)

3. Wealth and Its Purpose:

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” -Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV)
“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. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” -1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)

4. Warnings Against Wealth:

“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” -Proverbs 23:4-5 (NIV)
“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.” -Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

These verses underscore the importance of hard work, stewardship, and generosity. They also caution against making wealth the primary focus of one’s life. The Bible encourages believers to work diligently, manage their resources wisely, and use their wealth to honor God and help others. Material wealth, if gained, should be seen as a tool for good rather than an end in itself.

In conclusion

As Christians, it is crucial to remember that our ultimate goal is not the pursuit of wealth or material possessions, but rather to live a life devoted to God and His teachings. While financial success can be a part of our lives, it should never become our primary focus or lead us away from our faith.

We must prioritize our spiritual growth and service to God over worldly gains. The words of Matthew 6:24 remind us that we cannot serve both God and money. We must choose to follow Christ wholeheartedly, understanding that true fulfillment comes from a deep relationship with Him and living according to His principles.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Focus on being like Jesus – in other words, being humble and showing humility to others.
Study the Word and Serve the Lord: Follow biblical principles diligently.
Avoid Preoccupation with Material Goods: Do not let the pursuit of wealth overshadow your commitment to God.
Seek Practical Ways to Achieve Financial Goals: If you want to become a millionaire, do so through practical means while maintaining your faith.
Remember Our True Reward: Always remember that our ultimate reward is in heaven, not on earth.
Seek First His Kingdom: Recall Matthew 6:33 (NIV): “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

As we navigate our lives, let us ensure that our pursuit of material goods does not overshadow our commitment to God. Let us use our resources wisely, providing for our families, supporting the work of God, and helping those in need, all while maintaining our primary focus on serving Christ.

Reflect on the teachings of Jesus and the Bible verses highlighted in this article. They call us to a higher standard of devotion, one that prioritizes spiritual and eternal rewards over temporary and material wealth. May we always seek to align our lives with God’s will, finding true prosperity in our faith and service.

Let us take up our cross, follow Christ, and discover the profound joy and fulfillment that come from a life dedicated to Him. In doing so, we honor God and live out the true essence of our faith.

Thank you for exploring Preoccupied with Material Goods. I hope these insights encourage you to reflect on your journey toward wisdom and grace. Be sure to explore my other writings for more inspiration and guidance.

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Preoccupied with Material Goods