As we began three weeks ago, and will conclude today, we must avoid confusing American political ideals with the truths of Scripture. Principles articulated in national treasures like the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence have so far provided a secure and united nation. But these same principles—Equal Rights, Freedom, Individualism, and Opportunity—deserve scrutiny in light of God’s values.
Pursuit of Wealth
George Vanderbilt, original owner of the Biltmore estate, built a vast shipping business starting from just one ferry boat between New York and Staten Island. Sam Walton started with one small storefront in Arkansas and expanded it into the Walmart retail empire. Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard because he didn’t want to wait any longer to start his computer business. Steve Jobs co-founded Apple in his garage, and transformed the technological revolution.
This rags-to-riches pathway is often called the American Dream. The United States is the Land of Opportunity. How amazing to live in a society not hemmed in by the caste system, where anyone (well, most anyone) with grit and determination has a chance to become rich and powerful! We all benefit from the advancements of those possessed of such talents and drive. Capitalism provides a prosperous lifestyle for a large portion of its citizens. It is not without problems of course. In a quotation often attributed to Winston Churchill, “Capitalism is the worst economic system … except for all the others that have been tried!”
But, we must remind ourselves that the American Dream is barely more noble than “the desire to get rich” (1 Tim. 6:8). The Nobel-prize winning American playwright Eugene O’Neill wrote: “What is that American Dream, in most cases, but the dream of material things?” Certainly, God would have us work hard and support our families (Gen. 3:17, 2 Thess. 3:8-11, 1 Tim. 5:8) and even earn a surplus to share (Eph. 4:28) and contribute to the gospel work (1 Cor. 16:1-2). But God would not have us gain the whole world at the cost of our souls (Mark 8:36). “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). Money is a good tool, but a cruel master (Matt. 6:24).
A right attitude toward money is essential for a Christian. Success is nice, but it is no indication of faithfulness. “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). Let us be careful not to confuse an upper-middle class lifestyle with faithful discipleship, nor confuse a rented apartment and old jalopy with unfaithful laziness—some put the world’s comforts last to put the kingdom first! None of us want to be the poor man Lazarus in Luke 16 … but no one wants to be the rich man in eternity! “We have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content… For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Tim. 6:7-10).
This is an unsettling statement in contrast to selfish ambition. Many pangs result when trying to blend the American dream into the gospel. Really, the Bible writers present wealth as more of a negative influence than a positive influence. More often than not, those who devote themselves to material pursuits lose out on spiritual salvation (Luke 8:14, 12:20, 14:33, 16:25, 18:23). It’s difficult to shove that loaded camel through the eye of a needle, and difficult to rely on God for daily bread when my pantry overflows.
Physical wealth is not a priority for a Christian, who is convinced every physical object is destined for destruction. A Christian is thankful and responsible when prosperity comes, and unconcerned when it doesn’t. Easy come, easy go!
More importantly, we return thanks for His eternal blessings, which are “the surpassing riches of His grace” (Eph. 2:7). “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9). “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).