Affluence
<<wealth, material comfort>>
Wealth is not condemned in Scripture and is seen as a good gift from God, however knowing and following Him as well as having eternal wealth is preferable to amassing earthly treasure for personal enjoyment (Ps 19:8-11). There is no lasting security or even satisfying happiness in having ‘things’ in abundance. The dangers of affluence can lead to pride, a reliance on them instead of on God, and cause contempt for God (Deut 8:17; Prov 11:28, 30:8,9). There can even be a concern as to who will get the wealth which we stored up and whether it will be used wisely when we die (Ps 39:6, 52:5-7; Lk 12:15). The material possessions of this life will deteriorate and amount to nothing. A better approach is to invest in souls that will be in heaven eternally (Mt 6:19-21, 16:26; 1 Tim 6:17-19). “The Lord's blessing is our greatest wealth” with peace, happiness and contentment being some of the desirable qualities that accompany His favour (Prov 10:22).
Can I give more of my resources for the eternal benefit of humanity?
others. The question is asked, how can the love of God exist in a person if they don’t respond to the needs of others? (1 Jn 3:17,18).
Develop Godly character as it is of greater worth than many possessions or affluence. We need a true and balanced perspective in relation to money and what it can buy (Prov 11:4, 22:1,4, 23:4,5, 30:8,9; Rev 3:15-18). Wealth can subtly become ‘god’ in our lives, “The love of money being a root of all kinds of evil” (Mt 6:24, 19:16-26; Lk 18:24; 1 Tim 6:9,10; Heb 13:5). Do I have a godly perspective to prosperity?
See also: contentment, generosity, gifts and giving, money, possessions, pride, prosper/prosperity, prosperity doctrine, riches, stewardship, success, wealth.