Should we listen or learn from Christians who are millionaires?

It is the Lord God who gives the ability to produce wealth. (Deuteronomy 8:18)

Where does it say in the Bible that we're allowed to judge people based on how much money they have? Sure, there are plenty verses about how wealth is dangerous but Jesus never said, "Distrust a person who says that he follows me and yet is a millionaire."

Do I have problems with filthy rich Christians who don't use that wealth to serve the impoverished? Yes, I do. But we can't lump every single Christian millionaire into one category. Some of them may very well be using their riches to do good.

Their relationship with God is between them and Him. We aren't to judge based on how much money they have. We need to look at how they live and whether or not they exemplify Christ in their daily lives. If we're being totally honest, I'm hesitant to take advice from ANYONE except straight from God Himself...

Jason0047 said:

According to Google:

1. Pat Robertson, Networth: 100 Million.
2. Billy Graham, Networth when he died: 25 Million.
3. T.D. Jakes, Networth: 147 Million.
4. Kenneth Copeland, Networth: Although Celebrity Net Worth reported his worth at $300 million, other reports say Copeland could be worth $750 million or more.
5. Joel Olsteen, Networth: 55 Million.
6. Benny Hinn, Networth: 42 Million.
7. Joyce Meyer, Networth: 8 Million.
8. Joseph Prince, Networth: 5 Million.
9. Rick Warren, Networth: 25 Million.
10. Lee Strobel, Networth: 8 Million.

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Interesting, you know what else they have in common? Every one of them is on my "False Prophet" list. I wonder if there's a link?

Jason0047 said:

Should we take advice from Christians who are millionaires?

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Take advice that is helpful from whatever source it comes from. Good advice is good advice, regardless of who gives it.

SoldierOfTheKing said:

It is the Lord God who gives the ability to produce wealth.

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Man's idea of wealth, or His

step_by_step said:

But we can't lump every single Christian millionaire into one category. Some of them may very well be using their riches to do good.

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People forget Jesus was sponsored by rich (mostly women)

Aldebaran said:

It seems that the common sentiment is that if a Christian is a millionaire, then he must not be a real Christian--the implication being that living the Christian life means not being successful in life.

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I used to get a kick of how the televangelists' wives' jewellery and hairdos got bigger every month

Tropical Wilds said:

Take advice that is helpful from whatever source it comes from. Good advice is good advice, regardless of who gives it.

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Yes that simplified concept frees up more time to discern whether it serves man or the Kingdom.

That fashion icon Lagerfeld that died recently just left 300 million to his cat so they can't all be bad.

Jason0047 said:

According to Google: Max Lucado's networth is 10 million. How do you think he became a millionaire? Does the Bible want us to be rich? I don't believe so. Please read 1 Timothy 6 several times in prayer if you are in doubt about that.

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I am taking advice from my God, not you a stranger on the internet in a forum and since God has used Max to bless my life along with others I am going to keep trusting my Lord . And if God can use a jackass, he could certainly use a man who has studied the Bible and is getting the word out. Blessings to you and keep studying that Bible. You will get there!

Jason0047 said:

Should we take advice from Christians who are millionaires?

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The Bible does say give all your money to the poor, but it's not our right to judge the general wealth as they all have different stories of success and everyone is responsible for their own heart, so we shouldn't generalize.

Also, why are you persecuting the rich? Invoking classism, even if Jesus says it's difficult for the rich to get into Heaven, is reenforcing prejudice and is not following Christ.

Galatians 3:28

Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

So it boils down to whose purpose we serve. Again the non tax deductible fruits of the rich will determine such.

Jason0047 said:

Should we take advice from Christians who are millionaires?

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Do you plan to ask everyone who gives you advice whether or not they're a millionaire?

Aldebaran said:

I've seen more than one person on this forum actually claim that going to a job and working 8 hours a day is "serving mammon" because you're working for a paycheck rather than working for God.

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Paying Caesar's taxes have to be done somehow.

Aldebaran said:

Very true! But I suppose if that argument was made, they'd say, "Yeah, but if you don't serve mammon, you would owe taxes in the first place!"

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Choice. Which do we put first as our motivation.