[special]I’m excited to introduce 1Glories readers to guest blogger, Rana Tarakji. She’s a fellow blogger, entrepreneur and Christ follower who passionately pursues a refining life, on purpose. In this guest post, Rana tackles an important subject that most (perhaps all) of us must consider during our lives. That perplexing idea of “wanting more.”[/special]
The Sin of Wanting More
“… 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.” Matthew 19:24 (NIV)
This scripture has been the cornerstone view of many who view wealth as an inherently evil device. The behavior, excess trappings and path of some wealthy individuals and families, in many cases, did come on the backs of underprivileged, underserved and poor persons.
In fact, the driver of the recent global economic crash is a testament to human greed. In many cases, the drive to concentrate wealth did cause massive destruction among lower classes.
This reality has done a lot to cement a view that wealth and the Christian faith are not synonymous.
But is this view not, in fact, limiting God who is actually vast and infinite?
Guest blogger, Rana Tarakji offers a personal take on Christian living, stewardship and the important subject of the “sin of wanting it all.”
How Faithful are You?
The argument against wealth is anchored firmly in faith; a faith in Jesus that dictates selling all that a person owns, picking up the cross and following Him. But this seems to only apply to the wealthy, that other person who can afford it, the person who is not paying it forward in society, the evil mastermind who is plotting world domination.
It never seems to apply to the person that is thinking or repeating that statement. If it is the Lord’s will, any circumstance can be used to His glory. The Bible states in many passages that God wants to prosper, bless, and make fruitful the believer. The counterpoint to that blessing is being faithful to Him. Tithing, remembering the poor and downtrodden, giving service to your brother and being his/her keeper are all requirements as a person’s borders are increased.
Being wealthy means being accountable and responsible for the resources entrusted to our care. If you cannot be consistently faithful with a little, how can you be faithful with a lot?
Recalling the Entire Text
Recalling Matthew 19, the disciples began to ask If the rich man could have done good works, followed the law, and still be condemned; who then can be saved? Jesus gave the following response:
Having wealth does not mean a person has become the devil’s advocate or agent. Instead, it means they are firstly operating in God’s will and they are accountable for each dollar and talent spent. For example, many popular Christian art and artifacts came about because the artist gave fully into their talents and God’s will.
Being wealthy means being accountable and responsible for the resources entrusted to our care.
The Bible advises that in giving, give in secret, not letting even the right hand knowing the actions of the left. The fact that many donations and charitable giving of the rich are kept hidden are a testament to the faith exercised by the wealthy. Listening to audio recordings or reading books by wealthy authors will validate the need for giving and being faithful in all things.
Action, preceded by prayer is the best way of proving faithful and responsible enough to be trusted stewards of increase.
About Rana Tarakji
[callout] Rana Tarakji is an entrepreneur and a contributing writer at Stylerail, a beauty and lifestyle blog. [/callout]