Should we listen or learn from Christians who are millionaires?

Should we take advice from Christians who are millionaires?


  • Total voters
    63

Bible Highlighter

Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.
Supporter
Jul 22, 2014
41,433
7,859
...
✟1,187,903.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
What's your goal: Mark 10:25 You should probably only take advice from people headed the way you want to end up. That seems like wisdom to me :)

My advice comes from Jesus and His followers who were not rich, and not Christian millionaires of today. The Christian millionaire is not in agreement with the verse that it is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. They try to change what this verse means plainly.
 
Upvote 0

step_by_step

Active Member
Supporter
Oct 21, 2018
249
425
United States
✟90,690.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
If they are millionaires, they are holding onto more money than they need to live a comfortable life. That money could be given to help the homeless, the sick, the elderly.

Again, show me the verse in the Bible where it says you cannot be a true follower of Christ if you're rich. Show the verse where it says we get to decide what someone's relationship with God is.
 
  • Winner
Reactions: Jadis40
Upvote 0

Bible Highlighter

Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.
Supporter
Jul 22, 2014
41,433
7,859
...
✟1,187,903.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Again, show me the verse in the Bible where it says you cannot be a true follower of Christ if you're rich. Show the verse where it says we get to decide what someone's relationship with God is.

21 "Jesus said unto him, If you will be perfect, go and sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:21-24).

Verse 22 the rich young ruler walked away sad because he was unwilling to give up his riches to follow Jesus. If there was a way to follow Jesus and to have riches, then Jesus would have said, "Wait. Don't go. You misunderstood me. You can keep your riches, but merely do not trust in them." But this is not what Jesus said.

In verse 23, Jesus adds, a rich man shall hardly enter into into the Kingdom of God. Jesus gives us an impossible scenario of a camel trying to enter the eye of a needle. Jesus says it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.

full


full

full

full


Question: Why are we told to flee the pursuit of riches if there is nothing wrong with being rich?
 
Upvote 0

Monna

Well-Known Member
Feb 5, 2017
1,196
961
75
Oicha Beni
✟105,254.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Should we take advice from Christians who are millionaires?

Advice on what? Getting and keeping millions? or advice on being godly?

Would you take advice from a man despised by his community because he got his wealth by corruption and serving the interests of the hated foreign occupation forces? (Matthew)

Or would you take the advice of an insurrectionist/freedom fighter, who worked with all his heart to gain political liberation from those same foreign occupation forces, and who hated all who worked for those occupation forces? (Simon the Zealot)

Would you take advice from a bunch of poverty stricken but opinionated fishermen who argued with each other over which of them should be the King's right hand man?

Would you take advice, or rather, even pay attention to a country carpenter who put all these guys (and a bunch of women) together and told them - "love each other" and "if you want to be great, you got be like a little kid?" Would you take his advice if he told you to go catch one fish, and you'll find your tax money in its mouth?

Would you take the advice of a "wild man" who dressed in camel skin, ate pretty much only locusts and honey, and lived a lot of his time in the desert, or standing in a muddy stream, dunking people under the water "for the forgiveness of sins?"

Or from Daniel, right hand man to 3 consecurtive world emperors?
Or from Solomon, who could afford 300 wives and 700 concubines, thousands of horsemen & charioteers?
Or from the "son" of the Egyptian Pharaoh?
Or from a man who twice avoided telling rulers that the beautiful woman with him was his sister rather than admit she was his wife, puting her and them at risk?
Or would you accept the advice of a man who told you to go wash in a muddy creek if you want your incurable skin disease healed?
How about the guy who manipulates circumstances to get one of his most faithful followers killed so he could have his wife?
or more generally, from people who either think extreme wealth is the root of all evil, or that it is always a sign of God's blessed approval?

Is claiming to be "a Christian" any criteria at all, in itself, for good advice? And good in what sense?

What indeed is it that determines who we should turn to for advice? But again - advice about what exactly?
 
Upvote 0

Bible Highlighter

Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.
Supporter
Jul 22, 2014
41,433
7,859
...
✟1,187,903.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
I think we can learn something from just about anybody. What's wrong with being a millionaire?

When I say can we take advice, I am not referring to whether or not they can sometimes give accurate advice. Even the devil can quote truth within Scripture. That does not mean you want to take advice from the devil.
 
Upvote 0

Bible Highlighter

Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.
Supporter
Jul 22, 2014
41,433
7,859
...
✟1,187,903.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Advice on what? Getting and keeping millions? or advice on being godly?

Would you take advice from a man despised by his community because he got his wealth by corruption and serving the interests of the hated foreign occupation forces? (Matthew)

Or would you take the advice of an insurrectionist/freedom fighter, who worked with all his heart to gain political liberation from those same foreign occupation forces, and who hated all who worked for those occupation forces? (Simon the Zealot)

Would you take advice from a bunch of poverty stricken but opinionated fishermen who argued with each other over which of them should be the King's right hand man?

Would you take advice, or rather, even pay attention to a country carpenter who put all these guys (and a bunch of women) together and told them - "love each other" and "if you want to be great, you got be like a little kid?" Would you take his advice if he told you to go catch one fish, and you'll find your tax money in its mouth?

Would you take the advice of a "wild man" who dressed in camel skin, ate pretty much only locusts and honey, and lived a lot of his time in the desert, or standing in a muddy stream, dunking people under the water "for the forgiveness of sins?"

Or from Daniel, right hand man to 3 consecurtive world emperors?
Or from Solomon, who could afford 300 wives and 700 concubines, thousands of horsemen & charioteers?
Or from the "son" of the Egyptian Pharaoh?
Or from a man who twice avoided telling rulers that the beautiful woman with him was his sister rather than admit she was his wife, puting her and them at risk?
Or would you accept the advice of a man who told you to go wash in a muddy creek if you want your incurable skin disease healed?
How about the guy who manipulates circumstances to get one of his most faithful followers killed so he could have his wife?
or more generally, from people who either think extreme wealth is the root of all evil, or that it is always a sign of God's blessed approval?

Is claiming to be "a Christian" any criteria at all, in itself, for good advice? And good in what sense?

What indeed is it that determines who we should turn to for advice? But again - advice about what exactly?

When I say take advice, I am talking about how you would look to them as if they are a teacher to you all the time. Should you look to them for advice as a Christian leader on a continual basis. Example: The devil told truth to an extent, but that does not mean you should go to the devil get advice. That's my point. If they are preaching falsely, they are of the devil's kingdom. So taking advice from one of the devil's minions is not a good idea in my book. We should look to the Bible and godly Christians for advice.
 
Upvote 0

Tree of Life

Hide The Pain
Feb 15, 2013
8,824
6,243
✟48,077.00
Country
United States
Faith
Reformed
Marital Status
Married
When I say can we take advice, I am not referring to whether or not they can sometimes give accurate advice. Even the devil can quote truth within Scripture. That does not mean you want to take advice from the devil.

What do you mean then? Advice on how to become a millionaire?
 
Upvote 0

Bible Highlighter

Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.
Supporter
Jul 22, 2014
41,433
7,859
...
✟1,187,903.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
What do you mean then? Advice on how to become a millionaire?

Did I say advice on being a millionaire? No.
I already told you advice in general or continual advice.
This would be matters of the faith, etc.
Jesus says you will know false prophets by their fruit.
Sure, they may offer good advice once or a few times, but when that advice turns out to be bad another time, then you are in trouble.
 
Upvote 0

Toro

Oh, Hello!
Jan 27, 2012
24,219
12,451
You don't get to stalk me. :|
✟338,520.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
If a person takes advice from a bad source, even if it turns out to be true once or a few times, that does not mean ALL of their advice is wise to follow because we ultimately know them by their fruit.
Reread the second line. Thanks.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Bible Highlighter

Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.
Supporter
Jul 22, 2014
41,433
7,859
...
✟1,187,903.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Reread the second line. Thanks.

And in your third line you think it is foolish to throw out advice because I do not like the source. So does that mean we can take advice from the devil?
 
Upvote 0

Tree of Life

Hide The Pain
Feb 15, 2013
8,824
6,243
✟48,077.00
Country
United States
Faith
Reformed
Marital Status
Married
Did I say advice on being a millionaire? No.
I already told you advice in general or continual advice.
This would be matters of the faith, etc.
Jesus says you will know false prophets by their fruit.
Sure, they may offer good advice once or a few times, but when that advice turns out to be bad another time, then you are in trouble.

We should never take bad advice from a millionaire, but we should take good advice from a millionaire. Hope this helps!
 
  • Like
Reactions: RaymondG
Upvote 0

Bible Highlighter

Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.
Supporter
Jul 22, 2014
41,433
7,859
...
✟1,187,903.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
We should never take bad advice from a millionaire, but we should take good advice from a millionaire. Hope this helps!

So you don't see a problem in being a millionaire and yet also being a Christian?
By your response, my guess is that you don't see a problem in this (Which is contrary to what the New Testament teaches).
 
Upvote 0

Tree of Life

Hide The Pain
Feb 15, 2013
8,824
6,243
✟48,077.00
Country
United States
Faith
Reformed
Marital Status
Married
So you don't see a problem in being a millionaire and yet also being a Christian?
My guess is that you don't see a problem in this (Which is contrary to what the New Testament teaches).

No there is no problem with being a millionaire and being a Christian per se. The Bible does not condemn wealth as such.
 
Upvote 0

Bible Highlighter

Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.
Supporter
Jul 22, 2014
41,433
7,859
...
✟1,187,903.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Bible Highlighter

Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.
Supporter
Jul 22, 2014
41,433
7,859
...
✟1,187,903.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Just because Jesus told one guy to sell his stuff does not mean that Jesus requires this of every Christian.

Keep reading in Matthew 19. The words of Jesus on the matter of the rich does not bode well for them, but only gets worse. The same is true with 1 Timothy 6. We are told to flee in being rich and to chase after righteousness. If being rich was okay, then Paul would never say for us to flee in being rich. Think.

I mean, I get it; You personally do not like the idea.
But God's thoughts are not our thoughts.
We cannot impose our own beliefs upon Scripture just because we do not like what God's Word says.
 
Upvote 0

Just Another User

Active Member
Nov 24, 2018
169
126
The United part
✟15,817.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Again, show me the verse in the Bible where it says you cannot be a true follower of Christ if you're rich. Show the verse where it says we get to decide what someone's relationship with God is.

Here's just from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 6:20 "And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God."

Luke 6:24 "But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort."

Luke 11:39-41 "But the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness. You foolish ones, did not He who made the outside make the inside also? But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you."

Luke 12:15 "Then He said to them, “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 12:20-21 "But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Luke 12:32-34: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Luke 14:33 "So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions."

Luke 16:9 "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings."

Luke 16:13 "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Luke 18:22 "When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Luke 18:24 "Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, 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.
 
Upvote 0

Tree of Life

Hide The Pain
Feb 15, 2013
8,824
6,243
✟48,077.00
Country
United States
Faith
Reformed
Marital Status
Married
Keep reading in Matthew 19. The words of Jesus on the matter of the rich does not bode well for them, but only gets worse. The same is true with 1 Timothy 6. We are told to flee in being rich and to chase after righteousness. If being rich was okay, then Paul would never say for us to flee in being rich. Think.

The love of money is certainly a negative thing and we should flee from a love of money. But it's possible to be wealthy and not love money. There are examples of very faithful men and women in Scripture who had significant means. Many of these figures are in the OT like Abraham and King David. But there are also NT examples like Lydia.

I mean, I get it; You personally do not like the idea.
But God's thoughts are not our thoughts.
We cannot impose our own beliefs upon Scripture just because we do not like what God's Word says.

Hoisted by your own petard.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jadis40
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Bible Highlighter

Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.
Supporter
Jul 22, 2014
41,433
7,859
...
✟1,187,903.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
The love of money is certainly a negative thing and we should flee from a love of money. But it's possible to be wealthy and not love money.

Actually, the context is being rich. They that be rich fall into temptations and pierce themselves through with many sorrows.

You said:
There are examples of very faithful men and women in Scripture who had significant means. Many of these figures are in the OT like Abraham and King David.

The Old Covenant examples do not apply because we are no longer under the Old Covenant. Unless you are proposing we have to sacrifice animals or something.

You said:
But there are also NT examples like Lydia.

Nothing is said of her wealth or that she continued to hold on to her wealth along with her being faithful to the Lord.
 
Upvote 0