Being rich and wealthy is probably on the wish-list of billions of people in the world. Apparently, some think that being rich only equates to having a lot of money, cars, houses, and many more resources. And although dictionaries define "wealthy" or "rich" in that way, the Bible cares to differ.
Biblically rich
When we look at the Bible's description of being rich and wealthy, there's a word that's often misunderstood and denied by many. It's called "contentment." Paul, in his letter to Timothy, simply described it as having "enough food and clothing" (see 1 Timothy 6:6-8).
Apparently, being wealthy is not hoarding a lot of wealth and having a desire to amass more for yourself. Rather, it's being content with what God gives.
Do you want to be rich and wealthy the biblical way? Here are some tips from the Bible.
1. Be content with what's enough to meet your needs
"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content." (1 Timothy 6:6-8)
2. Beware of the desire to get more than what you need
"But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." (1 Timothy 6:9-10)
3. Trust in God for everything, including your enjoyment
"Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment." (1 Timothy 6:17)
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)
4. Be rich in good works
"Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life." (1 Timothy 6:18-19)
"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness." (2 Corinthians 9:10)
5. Don't be lazy, but work hard as unto the Lord
"Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich." (Proverbs 10:4)
"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites." (Colossians 3:23-25)
