How much money should you have?

[Droobie]

What is an appropriate level of income for a Christian?

[TheBear]

I would have to vote, none of the above.

John

[Droobie]

Why so?

[edjones]

Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.

1 Timothy 6:8
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

[TheBear]

The choices do not fall within the parameters I believe in. They jump from 'living comfortably' to greed.

I think there is a missing choice, and that is to do the best job you possibly can at work, and if that results in an increase of pay, Praise God!

To me, if someone is just happy where they are at, and have no desire for advancement in their job or carreer, they are not being good stewarts. These are basicaly the minimum to get by people. They work at the company, but they really don't perform for the company. I do not think for one second that we are to remain stagnant in any aspect of our lives, spiritual or otherwise.

And I believe that if one keeps God number one, and also has a can-do, go the extra mile attitude at work, not only do they become more valuable of an asset to their company, but God will give them the propper discipline and stewardship when it comes to earning more money.

John

[Droobie]

I believe that God wants us to be blessed... so we can be a blessing to others. There's nothing wrong at all with being rich, and no-where in the Bible at all does it state that we have to be poor. Money is not the root of evils, it is the love of money that is wrong. If you live your life to be able to provide for others, the church and to missions, you will find that God will bless you over and over. :D

For example... is your life goal to be a millionaire, or your life goal is to see the church (your local church for example) be able to pay for that new building? Attitudes like that which are not for your own personal bank account to grow. There's nothing wrong with having that big house, or driving that nice shiny new car. It is a testament to how blessed you are. However if it was your goal in life to have that big house, or show off that big car... that wouldn't be right.

The money we have, the house we live in, or the car we drive are good to have, but are only resource that helps us along in our ministry.

[jrmorganjr]

With you on that one, Droobie. It's the word "strive" that get's me. It sort of implies that the goal is to be rich. The goal is to carry out God's will for you - that may or may not include going through large sums of money.

[Droobie]

I'm also sure that God's will for our lives is not to be just happy where we are. Should we be happy just being able to support one mission fund? Should we not be striving to be more blessed, have more income so in turn we can give more. I put this qualification... you can strive to be rich with the will and purpose of God in mind.

[SenseiPiccolo]

I dont know about you all...
but Im a Child of the King...
Kings are rich...
therefore...
Im rich--
and by seeking FIRST His Kingdom--
I will be rich beyond measure on the earth...
:D

[Hishandmaiden]

Well, I think an ideal income is one that you can survive with the basic needs, and receive some of your wants!

[Droobie]

I would disagree. Change your mindset. I believe or have been taught that to just make do with an 'adequate' income and to 'just make do, being small and humble' is exactly what the devil wants you to do!

Deuteronomy 28:13
The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.

God wants us to shine... be leaders of the world. Stand up and be noticed; be a light that is a testimony to others of what God has blessed you with in your life. God has challenged us.

Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

[Hishandmaiden]

Droobie,
I ask you a question. How to tell the difference from Greed and from shinning out?

[SenseiPiccolo]

Originally posted by Droobie
I would disagree. Change your mindset. I believe or have been taught that to just make do with an 'adequate' income and to 'just make do, being small and humble' is exactly what the devil wants you to do!

God wants us to shine... be leaders of the world. Stand up and be noticed; be a light that is a testimony to others of what God has blessed you with in your life. God has challenged us.


AMEN!!!!!
Preach it!!!!
Im a CHILD of GOD!!!
Im the RIGHTIOUSNESS of God through JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!
:)

[Droobie]

Greed is like - when the bucket/bag comes round for tithes, you groan, reach into your wallet, and think about how much you're getting paid and your last pay rise, how much you can afford and calculate what you should be putting in...

shining out is when you have an eager spirit to give, have your tithe prepared, know that what you tithe is going to do good and be used for God's purpose and constantly desire to increase it year after year...

Though by shining out, I don't mean you wave your tithe in the air for everyone to see... Shining out also means that you... your life is a living testimony to God. People will look at you, see your smiling face and wonder "Gee... that guy always gets all the luck, and I wish I was as good as he is. That's why he's always getting bonuses or raises. I wonder what he's doing different in his life than me?"

Be blessed... desire to be blessed... so you can be a blessing!

[solo66 man]

It depends on what God has in mind for us. Job was the equivelant of a billionaire. Abraham was quite well off to say the least. Look at King David. God blesses us with wealth, power,
jobs, unemployment, big houses, small houses.

[Mandy]

Our lives should not be focused on what we have materially, but on the Giver of our lives. Our mindset should be to be content no matter how much or little we have. I wouldn't want my witness of Jesus Christ to be based on such things as how much money I have or make, but instead, on me living my life before all men in a manner that is pleasing to God.

[Droobie]

Yup... that's true Solo66. I'm not saying that you strive to outdo Bill Gates, though he probably has given to charity more than I'll ever do in my lifetime. In your area of work, in your life, your circle of friends, your collegues, have the mindset to be the best, and to God give all the glory. Why should you settle for second best when you have Him with you in your life?

Mandy you're right! Your life is not based on your bank account. But having a big bank account helps towards your giving, your ministry and your life. If you are at a position where you are not able to care about money think how much of a blessing you would be to your family, your friends, your church and your commnunity! Money is only a resource. Use it... manage it wisely...

[Mandy]

I'm not saying that being rich is a bad thing, God blesses us all and He blesses us according to His will and purpose. I am just saying that obtaining wealth is not something we should be focused on or a goal we strive to attain. We all are to give according to what we have whether it be materially or physically or emotionally or spiritually. God doesn't bless all Christians with wealth, but He does bless us all.

[SenseiPiccolo]

IF we are goot stewards of what He has given to u--
THEN HE will give us THAT MUCH MORE
:D

[solo66 man]

I agree with you, Mandy. I am not a rich man, never have been what your would call wealthy, but I have been blessed with more food than I can eat, a nice place to live, transportation and a beautiful wife. But far and above all, I have been blessed by His grace and mercy. I am so blessed by the death of Christ and His blood that covers all my sins. "There is no condemnation for him who is in Christ Jesus." When we are saved and reborn, we have a brand new life that is worth more than all the riches in the world.
Now, I am not saying it is bad to be blessed with a lot of money. No, but we cannot measure a man's faith by worldly riches. How Godly are most people you see that are what we call materially wealthy? Look at the rich man named Lazarus who never gave a scrap of food to the poor man who would sit at the gate and beg daily. Yet, he fed his scraps to his dogs. He ended up in hell and the poor man ended up in Abraham's bossom. Who by the way, we would consider rich by todays standards.

The riches we have as God's children are innumerable. They are so great, they can in no way be compared to worldly goods.
So, as I said, it just depends on what God wants to set on us as trials. True, I can serve the poor and needy and my church and pastor materially much better if I have lots of money and that is my desire. But, God has not seen fit to bless me as such, so, I will
be an even better blessing in the realm of spiritual warfare - and intersessory prayer. I will worship God with all My heart, mind and spirit.

Originally posted by Mandy
I'm not saying that being rich is a bad thing, God blesses us all and He blesses us according to His will and purpose. I am just saying that obtaining wealth is not something we should be focused on or a goal we strive to attain. We all are to give according to what we have whether it be materially or physically or emotionally or spiritually. God doesn't bless all Christians with wealth, but He does bless us all.

[Mandy]

Absolutely Solo. Our riches in Jesus are eternal and cannot become corrupt or corrupt us.

[StogusMaximus]

I would also vote None of the Above.

We should live life to the fullest, and have a balance in life. If we are blessed with riches that is great as long as you let Jesus run your life, and not money.

[Ric]

If it were, I would have checked off:

"We are to be good stewards with what God gives us." :)

[Droobie]

Right you are Ric... I would add to be wary not to listen to the devil who would tell us and have us believe that "That is all God will ever bless us with." We have the promise of so much more in our lives. :D

[Project 86]

On this I have to agree with what TheBear says. Strive bugs me as well when being used. What about people that take all their time and go on missions to other countries. If they were to strive for money they sure wouldn't be on missions but I think God rather have them doing that then striving at some local company to make more money. Is having a lot of money of bad? No. If want to get more money bad? Your getting close to making money your god when you are wanting to do that. If we work hard at work to move ahead and it doesn't interfere with our relationship with God then I say go for. Just be careful how you tread.

[dinkime]

if GOD wants one to be rich, they will be rich. if HE wants them to be poor, they will be poor. it is from HIM that we recieve & to HIM that we are to give.

[Snor Snor]

Job must've had millions of dollars, since he lived a VERY comfortable and good life, because God blessed Him, and then afterwards blessed him twice the amount as he had before!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SWome people don't get those blessings because they just aren't for them. Some Christians will live comfortably, others won't. There are reasons why that happens! :) Because it's what God chose! :D

[ZiSunka]

I'd rather be thankful and generous with whatever the Lord gives me, and let him decide what finacial level he wants me to live at. But I am committed to a simple life in Christ.

[Dave Ulchers]

Be content with food and clothing, for the desire for money is the root of all evil.

[seebs]

Originally posted by TheBear
The choices do not fall within the parameters I believe in. They jump from 'living comfortably' to greed.

I think there is a missing choice, and that is to do the best job you possibly can at work, and if that results in an increase of pay, Praise God!


I feel the same way; my "comfortably" answer doesn't imply that there's a problem with getting more. I do think that there's a problem if the money starts replacing other things as a sense of value.

[JohnR7]

Jesus said to be content with your wages. Different people have different abilities, different talents, different skill levels, different educations. We should be a good steward of what we have been given, to honor and glorify God in all we do. We need to seek to please Him. There was a book out a while ago, I think it was fiction, but it was called What would Jesus do. A group of men took the challange to live their lives asking one question: What would Jesus do. A number of them made some real changes in their life. If I remember right some ended up richer, some ended up pooret.

John Wesley founder of the Methodist Church said: "Make all you can, save all you can & give all you can". The people basicly took his advise and God prospered them. The problem then was they were so comfortable that they started to forget God and cool off as Christians.

[seebs]

Originally posted by Dave Ulchers
Be content with food and clothing, for the desire for money is the root of all evil.

The desire for money as an end of itself is bad. The desire for money as a way to achieve other ends is more complicated, and can't be simply labeled "good" or "bad".

[Kkisjjang]

I need money. College tuition and fees are pain in the butt. Plus car insurance and food. :help:

[two feathers]

"Despise riches, give alms to everyone that asks...devote your income and labor to others...and your very flesh shall be a great poem." -Walt Whitman

"Give me the poverty that enjoys true wealth." -Henry David Thoreau

[ZiSunka]

I was in St Lucia recently, a nation that is very poor by American standards, but very rich according to God's standards. They don't have to fear hitchhiking, because people are kind to each other. They hadn't had a murder in the whole country in two years. People could go to the parks at night with their children and not be afraid. They lived in houses the size of my garage, but their children were the most important thing in the world to them. Not everyone had a car, but everyone we met had great faith in God.

I can't imagine being richer than that!

We came home to our giant houses, driving our big cars, afraid to venture out at night, eating out most meals, and completely empty of the joy those "poor" people had.

They were not rich in money, they were rich in the true blessings God lavished on them.

[Othniel]

Whatever God gives you is yours to give others.

This poll did not have my answer:

We should not consider anything our possesion , but look on everything as God's and we as His stewards[/B...every dime we get we are accountable to our Lord for.

(answer # one was close to correct, but we don't need to seek poverty like the monkes do, nor should we separate ourselves from evangelical opportunity...remember "every good and perfect gift is from God", and "seek first the kingdom and all will be [B]given you...the other two answers on the poll compromise faith...remember the parable of the sower...the weeds were cares and pleasures and they choke faith!)

"You cannot serve both God and money." -Christ.

Peace to all who seek it,
<><

[pace]

I voted I'm not sure....

[DeleseRose]

Droobie, I would like 2 have as much money as i can possibly have. There's alot of good things a person can accomplish in the world if they had proper finance. Is it really neccessary 4 people 2 starve in africa, india and afganistan, when bill gates in sitting on so much money?. I think not. Isn't wealth supposed 2 b shared w/ those less fortunate than u?. Do i really need to have 40 million in the bank when my extended family is burdened down with house and car morgages?, when my cousins r struggling 2 work fulltime to pay their fulltime college tuition?. There's so many homeless families that really want an honest chance to change their situation. True u can't buy your way into heaven but u can surely make alot of people lives a lot better. :wave:

[sunshine]

I'm not sure if I agree that God blesses us through material goods. look at all the starving, poor people in the world, they have NOTHING to speak of, materially. yet many of them have a profound faith in God that I highly respect, especially given their circumstances. God blesses us in many ways far beyond the frivolity of monetary wealth.

I voted "not sure"

[Droobie]

I put forward that there is nothing wrong with being rich. Nor is there anything wrong with trying to earn more money. BUT... (and the big but that I would like to put in before pple jump down my throat and say I'm preaching material wealth...) It is your priority in what you are doing with that wealth that you are earning!

What do you have as first priority in the area of your finances? Is it to become a millionaire? Or is it to see God's kingdom flourish on this Earth? Do you look to buy that big house, have that nice expensive car... have all the luxuries and modern conveniences and think yourself blessed? Or are you able to thank God that you're able to give more in tithes and offerings this year than you were able to last year?

Don't pray for blessings and sit at home and do nothing waiting to win the lottery and get rich quick. Don't pray for blessings and dream of buying expensive clothes/toys/gadgets/cars. God will never prosper you that way. In fact, that's a sure way of finding yourself in debt!

God WANTs to bless us. He WANTs to see us prosper and flourishing. Thus we should pray for financial blessings then go out - WORK HARD and HONESTLY in our jobs and be GOOD STEWARDS as Ric said with what God has blessed us with, and we WILL see our financial lives blessed.

[jimigold]

Personally i think you should have just enough money to live in the way god wants you to. The most inportant thing IMO is that you shouldn't let money run your life.

[NRutman]

Originally posted by jimigold
Personally i think you should have just enough money to live in the way god wants you to. The most inportant thing IMO is that you shouldn't let money run your life.

Well said. I firmly believe that being in Western culture we have a unique opportunity to participate in the furtherance of the Gospel. In other lands it is much easier to be a witness to people who have never heard the Word of God before. Here in the States that's a little hard, because everyone thinks they have heard the Word. Now this doesn't mean that we should stop speaking it, but I see our role in world missions not as the preacher, but as the bank. God has blessed our country, and we should be delivering His blessings to others by giving away much and keeping little.

Randy Alcorn, a great author whom I've heard quoted much, states that he thinks of us as "God's FedEx people." You'd be pretty ticked if the FedEx truck came to pick up a package and the delivery man took the package home, opened it, and kept it. So it is with God. God blesses us with much more than we need so we can deliver blessings to other people.

Now, I can hear some objecting already, saying, "If that's true, then why doesn't God just give money to the people who need it instead of going through other saints?" The answer to that question is easy - God is jealous for His own glory. To bless Bob (who is needy) may motivate Bob to praise God, but to give Sally blessings so she can in turn give to Bob generates praise in the hearts of two parties - the party giving (Sally), and the party receiving (Bob). Now both are praising God and His glory is more revealed. How great is a God who would engineer the gift of giving!

In light of this little spark of truth, the West is doing an incredibly poor job funding world missions and furthering the Gospel, for most of us keep what God blesses us with. May God help us, and motivate our hearts to participate in the joy of giving.

In His grip,
Nathan

[Droobie]

Good analogy Nathan. I would also like to add that for Sally to prosper she need not wait for God to bless her before she gives to Bob. We give - then we receive. When we give, God will in turn allow us to be blessed, so we can be giving more. It all starts from giving though. We are already blessed with what we have. We shouldn't wait and wait until we have 'enough' to give, but give with what we have now.

[NRutman]

Droobie,

In Western countries, yes I would agree with you. This is because our "enough" is the equivilent of a small fortune to the grand majority of the world. However, personally I would count it as a very noble thing if a starving person in a third-world country offered their food to someone else. For someone who is truly in need, I do not think the same motivation to give should be expected (although it is great if they still give!). But in our current time and culture, this is never the case (even to the "hungry" here in the States). Simply by living in this country we are among the richest in the world.

In grace,
Nathan

[Droobie]

Which is why it's so important that our giving goes to those who are in need. Our giving is not meant to be soley used for the purpose of our local church, but to be sown in the lives of those less fortunate than us. Giving to missions, aid organisations and other such programs allow us to fund God's will and purpose in the world where we ourselves are not able to be.

[Autumn]

For some reason living with as few posessions as possible really brings peace to my mind. Perhaps the reason for this is that it has always been easy for me to get caught up in the web of posessions. It is so easy for me to get my mind on things I want...cars, dream houses, clothes, stereos..., but I think that if we simply keep our eyes on Jesus we will be fine. Let us do His will even in the smallest things, and the big ones, like money, will not be so difficult to deal with. We all need to spend quality one-on-one time with the Lord so that we know what He wants of us.

I do believe that we are children of the KING, and we are all rich, but I do not believe that those riches are here on earth...where they last only but a moment.

[NRutman]

Originally posted by Droobie
Which is why it's so important that our giving goes to those who are in need. Our giving is not meant to be soley used for the purpose of our local church, but to be sown in the lives of those less fortunate than us.

I disagree. If you look at New Testiment churches the vast majority of what people gave went to local churches. However, it should be the local church's priority to give to those in need instead of keeping money (I know my church gives much of what it receives). If that's not a priority in your local church, may I suggest finding a new local church :).

Nate

[NRutman]

Originally posted by Autumn
I do believe that we are children of the KING, and we are all rich, but I do not believe that those riches are here on earth...where they last only but a moment.

Right on!

Nate

[ZiSunka]

Randy Alcorn, a great author whom I've heard quoted much, states that he thinks of us as "God's FedEx people." You'd be pretty ticked if the FedEx truck came to pick up a package and the delivery man took the package home, opened it, and kept it. So it is with God. God blesses us with much more than we need so we can deliver blessings to other people.

Amen!

[Droobie]

Yeah Nate... I agree. I was more talking about what our local church does with what is tithed/given to it.

[ZiSunka]

Well, since the giving was supposed to be given into the storehouse for the needs of the priests and the poor and for everyone during lean times, and most local churches don't have storehouses anymore, often spending the money on non-eseentials like plush carpets and town cars for the pastors (not all, but some I know), I think the best thing is to divide up your giving, so some goes to the local church, some goes to the local mission to the poor, and some goes to distant missions. Then, if you chose to give above and beyond, it can be given to other organizations and needs. IMHO. That way, the intent of giving to God is satisfied and real needs get met. If that means the pastor has to drive a Honda like everyone else, so be it. He ought to enjoy moderation, too.

[Chris†opher Paul]

I think enough to live reasonably well and to provide for our families. But not so much that we can't afford to help the poor.

[berlioz]

We should be as rich as the Lord wants us to be.&nbsp; :cool:

[Droobie]

And how rich would that be? I believe that it is the will of God that we all be rich and have more than enough for ourselves. However, it is sad that many people think of riches and pray for blessings with a carnal mind, rather than one that is in line with God's will. Yes He would want us to be rich, but not so we can spend it all on ourselves. Blessed, so in turn we can be a blessings. Whatever we are blessed with should flow through us, not sick to us.

[livingforJesus-Shaun]

it should not mater as long as we live for God

[lookinguptoo]

We should live life to the fullest by living "our" lives for Christ.&nbsp; We should also live in whatever means God gives us whether it is poverty or riches and be happy.&nbsp; If we are blessed with wealth we should enjoy it but if we start relying on it or finding we take more pleasure in what it gives us than what God gives us then we should give it away to the less fortunate.

[bwearsie95]

we should be able to live comfortably without guilt.&nbsp; But some people are given more and are able to live with the extras that some could only dream of and that is ok also.&nbsp; It just depends on what God gives us.&nbsp; :bow:

[Glenn316]

I think Christians should have as much as they can handle without their possessions possessing them. Unfortunately I think many, and even poor christians are owned by what they own.

[ancientofdays33]

God does not care and be cause I have faith in Him I don't care. But I will answer I will never have enough money But I am rich in spirit and I want more of both.

I did exist in aspen colorado for a couple 3 years as a ski bum.

I met the most unhappy people there Las Vegas has nothing on Aspen.
millionairs are usually very unhappy billionairs at least the ones I met are usually happy. I mean happy in a spiritual way.

James servant to all

[MetalBlade]

I personally think that money doesn't matter. If I was rich I would give a lot of money away to charities and churches, of course the money is earned and not gambled. Live life how Jesus wants you to live it!

[leecappella]

Droobie:

As far as I know, there is no specific amount of money a christian should earn. One who has much can bless much. One who has few can bless few.

leecappella

[l33tace]

We should follow our hearts desire in light of Gods purpose for our lives. To live with no posessions for one is fine as to live with a vast bank account is fine for another. In the end its what you do with what you have or can do with what you dont have (being yourself) as under the ownership or posession of God.

[Konnie]

We should live just comfortably with a balance in life.

[bop1997]

As much as GOD blesses us with. It is not wrong for Christians to have money, as long as they are living as a christians and by the WORD OF GOD .

[Reader Nilus]

A single person can live like a monk and should, but a married person with a family is a different ball game, and the concern is to take care of basic needs, food, shelter and heat, and clothing, with a some left over for some entertainment like getting an ice cream or going to a movie or taking a trip now and then. The sad thing is there are many people now where basic needs are not even being met. Poverty that is not volunteered can be grinding and very depressing, I know, I live it everyday, wondering where the the rent money is going to come from, or how to pay for my wife's medication.
Jeff the Finn

[RevKidd]

There one or maybe two options listed. I believe that God will bless those that are responsible with the small things and he will bless them with greater things. And that can be money. We have several business owners that have been blessed beyond belief. They have very nice homes, drive nice cars. However, they have worked hard, have given to the church and to others in need. The share their wealth. The word talks about the sluggard and I belive that God will bless those that are stewards of what he has given them.

In fact my wife was a senior secretary for a large global company. In fact we both work at the same place. At this point in time the company is facing some financial difficulties and is facing concessions. All merit raises have been eliminated for the year and more than likely the next couple of years. But my wife has worked so hard, and has been so diligent that her bosses, (she has more than one, actually 5) they recognized her abilities and her hard work and dedication and felt that she deserved a raise. In order to do so they promoted her, and with the promotion came a raise. In fact a 17.9% raise. We tithe, and give whenever possible. And I believe that God has blessed her and my family and I give him the praise.

So I think that God can and does bless those who bless him.

[jesus_freak_for_life]

Haha.. of those 3 people who said that we should have no possessions, I wonder why they're on computers right now.. haha..

[jesus_freak_for_life]

I don't think it matters how much money a Christian makes, but I don't think we should "strive to be rich". We should strive to be more Christ like.
I also don't think it's right for rich people to keep their blessings to themselves. Like lecappella said, who has much should bless much, who has little should bless little.

[Terri]

1TI 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

[Servant2Him]

What if God's plan is for you to not have wealth....for whatever reason...maybe that will place you in a unique positions to minister to someone for God's plan.... Should you then feel that you have not been "blessed" as others who have received financial gain? Does everyone feel that we should all be "rich" because it is possible through God? Is God's financial blessing the same to those of the same faith? If it is God's will that we as Christian "all" have wealth to use for the good of his works.... what of those of faith that actually use the mission money...say the traveling minister who travels and lives in africa to minister to others.... If he/she is a christian should they, regaurdless of thier circumstances expect financial wealth. What about a Chrisitian in another country where wealth is measured on a smaller scale. Are the millions of christians in China,Africa, Asia able to obtain the same wealth? Where they pray in hiding and live in thatched roof huts. Who's standard of wealth should they have... Much of the Christians we are able to see on TV are in America and broadcast world wide....some talking of Gods plan that all Christians have an abundance of Wealth..... When should those "true believers" in opressed countries expect the wealth.... the nice house or the Cadillac or even the nice air conditioned church. Many good Christians die poor by wallstreet standards....I'm not sure I would commit to saying they are less blessed or had less expectations from God so received less. We seem to change what we expect from God based on our needs and not Gods needs. I think it is dangerous to first maintain a position of what wealth is and what you NEED and then expect God to provide it... I think we should all expect God to provide all that we need.... but I think that the need is based on God's plan for us. I certainly would not turn down a new Hummer, but if I expected wealth and instead was asked to travel in a desert for a few months and had to rely on His intervention to be fed and use the stars to shelter me and my family.....well I could only hope that I would have the faith to consider myself blessed... even without the Cadillac and savings account.

[Poiema]

I marked "We should live just comfortably with a balance in life" because it was the closest to being right. The starter of this thread asks "What is the appropriate income level for a Christian." I think that's a very odd question. God gives much to some and little to others. If it is given by God, then it is appropriate. Granted, there are fewer rich Christians than poor, but God does what He wants to and who are we to question why some have more than others? The imortant thing is not WHAT God has entrusted to us, but HOW we manage what God has made us stewards of.

[BarbB]

I'm currently living on a tiny income, but without mortgages, car payments, etc. AND tithe, donate, and live well. It can be done, but it takes some dedication!

[patrice_kell]

I believe that we should strive for whatever we want in life. I we want to be rich we should go for it. It is just important that we never put anything above God and always be content with what we have no matter how much or little it may be. I love my life the way it is and I am broke when it comes to finances. But I am rich because I have the love of the Lord in my heart. But....a few extra dollars wouldn't hurt a thing. I know that the Lord will always be first in my life no matter what else I may obtain. God is good. I thank Him or everything I have. I would have nothing and be nothing if it were not or Him. PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!! :clap:

[Kathy]

Truthfully,I just want to be able to live comfortable enough to be able to pay my monthly bills on time and have some put away into savings,that I may need sometime in the future...Sometimes being to rich can bring a lot of unhappiness...thats just my opinion :)

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

It depends on the motive. Riches can be a blessing from God, and the book of Proverbs deals extensively with the question of riches. But for too many people, riches can be a snare, a roadmap to complacency. And this complacency can have eternal consequences. Some people will do excellent things with their wealth. They can have it without becoming too atttached. But others can't control the ambition or the pride or the sense of self-sufficiency that can come with wealth. They would do well to be content with what they have. Those who can handle it-enjoy. Use it well. Use it to secure eternal treasures.

[dbaryl]

Nothing against you, droobie, but I think the way the options were written, it should be obvious that the 2nd option would get the most results.

I think it would be best where we had so much money that we did not worry every day about how it is that we're gonna pay our bills, enough that it would not be a constant issue.

As a child, I used to think that I was going to be one of those people that earns a few millions from a sports contract and keep a little for myself while giving the rest to build a church and support a mission. In reality, it is often the people that have the least that give the most, as we see from the story of the widow with two lepta (Mark 12:41).

I think it is said well here:

Hebrews 13:5
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." - NIV

[ezzaspider]

as much as you want... life life to the fullest however you want to - poor or rich!

[caffeinefree]

For me: I'd like to have enough to have food on the table and warm clothes, and to pay my bills on time to be able to save a bit each month. I'm one of those people who wouldn't know what to do with myself if I were rich and on my own. It would be too much for me. I think it's different for each person, but I know money isn't the most important of my priorities.

[A Taffer]

Enough to pay your bills, take care of your family, give tithing and then once thats all done you can worry about things like recreations, things you want to do, etc..

[GirlForChrist]

I believe that the Lord will provide for you when you are in need

[BigToe]

i put dont know.... its going to be different for each person.

[Krazeekkc]

I think it's ok to have all of the money in the world if you use it wisely and don't be greedy or have it become your idol or anything else the Bible says not to do! Otherwise why not?

[lostangel]

I think we should have enough to live off of and give to the work of God.

[MikeMcK]

You should have as much money as God wants you to have.

There are people who live in financial poverty who are as rich as any millionaire. There are rich people who are as poor as any beggar.

[loveHIM_liveHIM]

Ah, everybody should have more money than I do...

I'm a poor, broke college student with absolutely no money whatsoever... and no job... cuz I can't afford to go anywhere to job search... its a catch 22

[SuperTrooper]

Well, I think an ideal income is one that you can survive with the basic needs, and receive some of your wants!
the $$$ amount of my wants may vary from yours, thus making my needed income to be either more or less than your own. :cry:

[mesue]

I want to have life and have it more abundantly. I must be doing ok, I have no needs. I have wants but no needs. God provides very nicely for me and my family. Thank You Lord :)

[James Sez]

Enough $$ to give a little something to CF

[Gamecock]

What is an appropriate level of income for a Christian?
As much as God grants you.

The key is what do you do with it???

[The_Saint]

Anyone who makes $50,000.00 a year or more is cut off. That means that all those corporate executives making $$$millions$$$ of dollars of income a year are going to hell. Imagine that: people going to Hell running America's corporations!

God grants you $49,999.99 income for your household. Anymore than that and a person is cut off. If God prospers you, then that's between you and God.

The limit was $30,000.00 until I started making that amount back in the 1980's so God raised the limit (also taking into account inflation) to $49,999.99. So, set your salary around $45,000.00 per year and tithe 10 per cent and you will be okay!

Also, if you happen to find yourself making $50,000.00 or more, remember you can always give the excess to charity, your church, or even to Christian Forums and still be saved.

[Snowy]

As long as I have clothes, food, and a roof over my head :)

[Sondog]

As much as God wants us to have.

[JonathanFord]

Anyone who makes $50,000.00 a year or more is cut off. That means that all those corporate executives making $$$millions$$$ of dollars of income a year are going to hell. Imagine that: people going to Hell running America's corporations!

God grants you $49,999.99 income for your household. Anymore than that and a person is cut off. If God prospers you, then that's between you and God.

The limit was $30,000.00 until I started making that amount back in the 1980's so God raised the limit (also taking into account inflation) to $49,999.99. So, set your salary around $45,000.00 per year and tithe 10 per cent and you will be okay!

Also, if you happen to find yourself making $50,000.00 or more, remember you can always give the excess to charity, your church, or even to Christian Forums and still be saved.

What makes you think this? So what your saying is King David is in hell cause he made to much money? Kind of a weird logic HUh?

I think God wishes to see us all rich. It is what we do with our wealth and our heart towards it that He cares about.

[creeb]

I didn't vote here coz the answer to the polls question is how much should a christian get paid exactly how much he is being paid right now for the work god has for him if thats millions then u have the responsibility to ensure u use it to further Gods work but if not then ur earning wot god want u to earn

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

How much money should we have. Hm... Before Christmas, or after? :D

[Col]

As much as God wants us to have.
Wow Sondog, that is the perfect answer.

I'm with you.

Bless Ya
Col :wave: <><

[Lizquests]

I think that as long as we work hard toward our belongings we should be able to have them. And also I try very hard to keep my eye and heart on God at all times, because He is the one that is allowing this to happen.

[Lizquests]

Psalm 37:9 - For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.

1 John 2:16 - For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world.

I like this verse from 1 John. There are a lot of times when I get into buying things left and right. When this happens, when I take my life into my own hands, I start to stumble. But when I give it all to God, I find that He gives me more, not only things for my mind, heart and spirit, but also possessions.

[cindylou]

I didn't vote in this poll because their is absolutely no good answer. God has given us all different talents. Some people have been blessed with tremendous wealth and others have to struggle terribly just to feed their families. This is just part of life. As Christian's though, I believe scripture is clear. How we spend what God gives us is a direct reflection of our relationship with God. We must first tithe. I know many Protestants tithe 10% to their Church. As Catholics we often tithe 5% and give another 5% to charity. In either case, whether one gives 10% or 2% the idea is one of sacrifice. A family should feel the bite. Perhaps they must not go to the movies twice a month in order to give that tithe. That's what I mean. After that we should definitely take care of our families if we have one. God dispises a man who neglects his family. We should also plan for emergencies, typically 3 months salary is suggested in savings. Above that investing a small amount for retirement or college is very wise....Having said that..we are also required to be generous with our time and talents. Perhaps we have a used vehicle that is paid for. Instead of trading that in, give it to a family without transportation. As American's we often have clothes we never wear...give some to those with nothing. Two topics are addressed more in the scripture than anything: love and money. Ask yourself why? Hoarding money for ourselves is very selfish. Saving money for a specific purpose is very wise...it helps us to live without credit....but when we have great abundance, we must definitely share.

[waas_MI]

Cindy
I would advise at least money for 6 months should be saved. I am now unemployed for six months. Not a good economy.
Just my advice!

[pt03]

Christ Came to give life and give it in abundance. There are plenty of examples of God blessing people with great riches and there is the parable of the talents which indicates that we should invest what we are given to make it grow. The point is not how much or how little we have, it is what we do with what we have, and that we realize that it is ALL Gods. If we live by that standard, we will use wisely what ever we are given.

It is not a sin to have a lot or be rich, it is only a sin to think that it is ours and to use it for the wrong purposes. "To whom much is given, much is expected."

[Mongoose]

Oh. By all means, money is an evil evil thing. We should strive to try to live without it. But that takes more willpower than many people have.

[mrversatile48]

The only rock solid investment in life is in the Solid Rock of Christ & completing our Great Commission - (end of Matthew & Mark) - to hasten His return & stop the terrible persecution of @ 200 million Christians worldwide

2 Corinthians 8 & 9 are awesome inspiration!

(Emphasising that our investment includes time & talents!)

Enjoy

[WanderingMagi]

It is not a sin to have a lot or be rich, it is only a sin to think that it is ours and to use it for the wrong purposes. "To whom much is given, much is expected."

Yes, but will we stay rich ifwe use it right?

WanderingMagi

[kaleidoscope_visions]

My family has never had much money but that doesn't bother me. I truly belive that money can't buy happiness

[Glorianna]

We should have enough to live comfortably, and also have enough to give away to people who are in need.

[TheMainException]

We should accept the money we are given and then spend as much time as we can helping others using our money. It's not really our money anyway. It's all God's.

[violetstar]

I feel it depend on why you desire to be well off, if it is for other then you will have Gods blessing.

[Kyebosh]

It is not money that corrupts, but the love of money.
If you put God first, he will give you the desires of your heart...
With God foremost in your life, the desires of your heart are far far away from money.

[Finder's Keeper]

I like stewardship rather than ownership.
If I'm nothing more than a steward of whatever I have, then how could it be wrong to increase my stewardship?
It's all in what you do with it and what priority it has for you.

Finder's
Keeper

[rainbowprism]

You don't have to be poor to be a 'proper' Christian. If the Lord has blessed you with wealth it is ok, as long as you acknowledge that it is God who has blessed you and you tithe and give accordingly.

[CZzyzx41]

Exactly Rainbowprism. I believe we should be educated. We should have careers and we should work hard and honestly. Money helps keep our families and selves alive but we need to acknowledge that it is God who has blessed us we'll be ok. Of course giving tithes and offerings accordingly is part of all that but that's a whole other subject.

[daydreamergurl15]

How much money should you have?

How ever much the Lord bless you with. Use it for His will, don't worry he's thinking about you too when you spend it for His Will. :)

[wakeboardwithheart]

i just want enough money to provide for myself and my children(if i have any)

[Texas Lynn]

As the bumpersticker says "religion is what keeps the poor from killing the rich".

[Teacher]

Hmmmm! "Comfortably"! Well, although my "Old man" would love to be rich, I do believe I want to have just as much as God can trust me with.

Proverbs 30:9

Lest I become satiated, and have denied, And have said, `Who [is] Jehovah?` And lest I be poor, and have stolen, And have laid hold of the name of my God.

Give me my daily bread and, well, if you can give me a slight smell of tomorrow's bread that would be great, too. :yum:

[cat has felt the light!]

Well I had to put that I wasn't sure, but I guess if God told me to give it all away tommorrow, I like to think I would!
C@ xx

[Heavy_Metal_Jesus]

I want to become as rich as i possibly can.
Money+Love+Music+God = happiness

[Mother Vashti]

What is an appropriate level of income for a Christian? Wait, "income"? You mean I've gotta get a job?
Dude, can't I just ... I dunno, hold up banks or something? :(

[signwonder]

To strive to be rich is to pursue something that the Bible calls fleeting. We are instead to lay up treasures in Heaven where neither thief nor moth can destroy them. The love of money has been the root of all kinds of evil. I dare say that it is the root of most problems and sin in the world today. Look around. You can trace back most issues to a desire for wealth.

Jesus tells us that rich people can make it to Heaven but few of them will. He says that 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. The reason for this is that people seem to depend upon thier money. Jesus wants us to depend upon Him and this dependence is the beginning step towards eternity with Him in Heaven--not money.

Many people depend upon their money to take care of them. They think they need it but without Jesus we would not even have the power to get wealth. Our dependence should be on Jesus and then all these things that we need will be taken care of and fall into their rightful place--like money.

To see if you have a problem with money. Try giving more of it away to Jesus for the work of the Kingdom. If you can't do it you are holding on
to the wrong god. I don't know how often I have emptied my own bank account but then God keeps filling it back up even more full than before. I believe the Bible says "give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down shaken together and running over." It doesn't say work hard and long hours and you shall obtain much wealth for yourself. :-)

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

To see if you have a problem with money. Try giving more of it away to Jesus for the work of the Kingdom. If you can't do it you are holding on
to the wrong god.

Amen. A beautiful post.

[J3sus Is My L0rd]

Money isn't evil, it's the LOVE of money that is... having stuff and money is awesome because God has blessed you with it! As long as you give God what He asks, and don't love the money more than God yeah. Having money is alright, just as long as the money doesn't have YOU! Cuz God blesses us... but I know some people who God has blessed with beautiful houses and cars... but then God told the couple that they needed to give this brand new SUV to somebody... and they did it w/o hesitation cuz they knew it was God... they didn't hold on to the items, they held on to God who gives and takes away all things. So ya, my 2 cents. Praise God, regardless!


-Brandon

[BigManRyan]

I don't think people should strive to be rich. We should live for God and if you live for money you are serving an idol. :)

[Newly Lived Life]

enough to be with your loved ones and feel the warmth inside.

[tqpix]

We should have enough to support ourselves and help those in need.

[Moros]

Enough to ensure that the basic needs for human life are met. Food, water, shelter. And in the first world, we should have enough to pay the Electricity bill. Everything else is a bonus.

Unfortunately we even see in the first world people who are living without these things.

[HappyMomof4]

I would like to have enough money to buy our basic needs, and some extra to be able to enjoy life. Enough to be able to not work all the time.

[Jolly]

We need as much money as needed to live a modest life AND TO HELP PEOPLE.

[Sacrifice]

There is nothing wrong with Serving the Lord and being rich. If you have God first in your life then being rich would be a blessing. If you live for money, then it is a problem.

[Palatka44]

The Bear and Droobie in posts 5&6 have it right. I am in total agreement with them.

[Kristi1]

I voited ~> We should live just comfortably with a balance in life


I am a Very Humble Christian. Not having any income for more than a year can and will Humble someone!



Blessings, \o/ :clap:

KristiAnn

[Niko]

get the most money you can. That way, you can give more.

[Kristi1]

get the most money you can. That way, you can give more.



What money, I have none ~ I am severely disabled and haven't had any for more than a year now. Now that is Humbling!! :help:

[christianfilmcrew]

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul?

I am happy with what God has given me. I've been a missionary with $1 in the bank account, yet I was richer than any millionaire on earth.

Why? Simply I had no debts, where as the rich man working world has many debts, mortgages etc. This is only an appearance of wealth. If you have a house and you're $100,000 in debt, a missionary who is debt free and has $1 to his name would be considered richer on the ledger :-)

I also know what it is like to live in plenty and to live in want. I prefer want, because it makes me lean on God and trust Him for provision.:clap:

[Kristi1]

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul?

I am happy with what God has given me. I've been a missionary with $1 in the bank account, yet I was richer than any millionaire on earth.

Why? Simply I had no debts, where as the rich man working world has many debts, mortgages etc. This is only an appearance of wealth. If you have a house and you're $100,000 in debt, a missionary who is debt free and has $1 to his name would be considered richer on the ledger :-)

I also know what it is like to live in plenty and to live in want. I prefer want, because it makes me lean on God and trust Him for provision.:clap:



ummmm please watch the You's and use "I" statements only! This so no one thinks it's an attack on them!!!


Blessings, \o/

KristiAnn

[Angeldove97]

We can have some possessions because the Lord said that He would provide for us with what we need. I don't see anything wrong with having a few things or a lot of things as long as your whole heart and soul belong to God. It's wrong to be greedy and decide that you must get things for yourself...Jesus wouldn't want us living like that. But maybe it's a way of testing our faith in Him as well.

[sammipher]

I dont know about you all...
but Im a Child of the King...
Kings are rich...
therefore...
Im rich--
and by seeking FIRST His Kingdom--
I will be rich beyond measure on the earth...
:D
I agree!....This is so true...nothing in this world can go with you when you leave...so why invest here...when you can invest everything with the Lord and the Kingdom of heaven...and the way to do that is to practice being a good and humble servant....just doing the what the Lord moves us to do.

[Richard]

I don't think there is a certain amount of wealth you should have or not have as long as you live for Christ and it doesn't hinder you then you can be rich rich rich !!!

[k]

The question seems to lack some serious angle on reality because if Jesus were in the flesh today, He would be in America, but He would definitely not be an American. Why? The U.S. is living in its wealth at the expense at much of the rest of the world. Maybe you've heard this, maybe you haven't. It is not money that God is concerned with. It is how is that money being earned. Are you wealthy because someone was cheated along the way? In today's economy it is absolutely impossible to become wealthy without hurting others along the way. Remember the conversation between Jesus and the Rich Young Man? To have wealth, by definition, means people are living in poverty. There are no rich Christians; only active hypocrites.

Peace

[Nevada77]

DO NOT STORE UP TREASURES HERE ON EARTH, WHERE THEY CAN BE EATEN BY MOTHS AND GET RUSTY, AND WHERE THIEVES BREAK IN AND STEAL. STORE YOUR TREASURES IN HEAVEN, WHERE THEY WILL NEVER BECOME MOTH- EATEN OR RUSTY AND WHERE THEY WILL BE SAFE FORM THIEVES. WHEREVER YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART AND THOUGHTS WILL ALSO BE.
MATTHEW 6:19-21

NEVADA :angel:

[okiemommy26]

i vote for not sure because my answer isnt up there - i believe there is more important things in life than money and God will provide so it doesnt matter how much money you have or you think you need.

[pcwilkins]

As much as God gives.

[Key Peninsula Redneck]

Enough. :cool:

[Spyk]

mmm.. i was thinking none of the above.. Jesus came to give life more abundantly .. Surely if we ask he will give..

Its our look-out whether we bless others with the money that is given to us.

Spyk..

[Spyk]

also says in bible about blessing others and you will receive one-hundred fold.. Thats not comfortable living !!! Thats extreme !

[k]

There are no rich "Christians," only hypocrites. We are all walking through different spectrums of learning, growing, and understanding, but there comes a time when we must truly surrender ALL of who we are and what we have. This is not positing the "poverty mentality," but merely expressing our purpose is to fully empty ourselves so the Holy Spirit may be complete in its fulfillment of us, and that is Heaven.

Peaced

[OhhhChung]

Obviously, we should strive to be rich. That's why there's education right? But of course, money is pointless since were eventually going to leave earth at any time.

[PaladinGirl]

I say we should try to live comfortably and with a balance in life. But then again, we should also try to be satisfied with what we have as well.

[k]

Obviously, we should strive to be rich. That's why there's education right? But of course, money is pointless since were eventually going to leave earth at any time.
Excellent point!!!!!!;)

Peace

[Sascha Fitzpatrick]

I believe that you should always have enough money to match your financial responsibilities - ie if you have a house, and a car, and a family, you should be making sure you have enough money each week to take care of them.

I don't think God really cares all THAT much HOW much money we have, so long as we are using it wisely. I'm sure he'd be just as upset at the missionary who gives all his money to the poor and spends it all on mission trips, yet neglects his families needs for stability and financial security, as he would to the millionaire who never thinks to give to those less fortunate.

Sasch

[sl_pahotogal]

As far as money goes, I think people should ask God to bless them with the funds for them to live comfortably and have the things they truely need and I believe He will also allow for some things that aren't necessary to survive because He loves us and wants to see us enjoy ourselves as long as we realize that those gifts are from Him and we need to thank Him for the gifts.

[indeep]

I'm a bit of a closet socialist, in that I think that a balanced income life is an appropriate one.

[Pina]

I think you should be able to have any amount of money that you want. Just so long as its not the sole thing that you think makes you happy

[virakech]

I would like to say that I voted the best answer for me out of all available, but that I felt the answer for me wasn't really provided. I don't think having more than enough money is wrong, I do feel the Lord gives some more than others and that some are given more so they can continue to give more... there are pitfalls and risks to having wealth... there is a balance needed in your life if you have wealth... but it isn't wrong... I prefer to be financially stable and even comfortable with some pleasures as well as needs being met... but maybe we should think of this statistic... if you have excess change on your dresser or in your pocket, you are apparently among the top 8 percent of the richest people in the world. If that is so (and I've been told by many that it is) then we in America, even those who struggle, are already wealthy when compared to all the others... so we already are at risk and carry more responsibility to use our money as God would have us. We are already going to have a difficult time in our spiritual walk because of our wealth.

[Hisbygrace]

This could most certainly be seen as a loaded question. For we know that God provides for us at different levels, depending on how we manage what He does give us. He knows just the right amount for each of His children, though sometimes ( often times) we may not understand why some folks seem to have it all and some struggle daily. As for myself I have never been wealthy, but I have been comfortable and I have been in need.I may have eaten peanut-butter sandwiches and worn faded clothes, but I have never gone hungary or naked. So, I would say that God has always given me just enough. Now if I look at what I am promised and set my eyes on the goal ahead; I can tell everyone with confidence that I am one of the richest people in this world for I am a co-inheritor with Jesus Christ. Our Father owns everything!!!

[brinny]

As far as money goes, I think people should ask God to bless them with the funds for them to live comfortably and have the things they truely need and I believe He will also allow for some things that aren't necessary to survive because He loves us and wants to see us enjoy ourselves as long as we realize that those gifts are from Him and we need to thank Him for the gifts.

:amen:

[Neal]

It depends on your reasons, I think.

[DanielJamesSimon]

I put the second option, because we should never strive to be rich, nor is there anything wrong with possessions.

However, there is no such thing as an "appropriate income" for Christians. George Bush is a Christian (apparently). Many unemployed people are Christians. A Christian earning nothing is no worse or no better, in fact no different, than a Christian earning 50 million a year, other than the fact that they're not as rich. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with a Christian earning 50 million a year.

As long as all give all glory to God and strive to serve Him, income means nothing.

[GodFlute2]

some where in between here and there

[Imblessed]

I DIDN'T VOTE

If being rich is going to take you away from a good strong relationship with God, then maybe it's not a good idea--but why in the world would we not try to have more than we can use so that we can share?

God wants us to do our very best in everything, and some people are lucky enough that their very best makes them very wealthy, so why put them down for it? I think when Jesus said that it was easier for a rich man to go through the eye of a needle then get to heaven, he was NOT saying that rich equals hell, he was saying that money can and does corrupt many people. So you have to be very careful.

On a personal note, I can tell you it is much better to have a little extra then not be able to pay the bills. Not having(enough) money can have just as bad of an affect on your spiritual life as having too much, IMO.

[kleptobismol]

being rich is not a crime in itself. yet the Bible says that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. if u tithe your money to the church and use it to bless others arround u and it doesnt cause u to stumble in the eyes of the Lord then its fine.

[Saruman]

Money doesn't matter. If God wants people to be poor, they will be. If He wants them to be rich, they will be. I voted not sure.

[Fonzy]

we should have alot so our children dont have to work and struggle.

[Waterhouse]

Depends on what you do with the money you have...

[eaglex]

Actually there's nothing wrong in geing rich. But, as Christians we should use our wealth to bring the Gospel to a dying world and help our fellow man where it is needed.

[-Lily-]

It's ok to have a good income, but you should use it in a good way, help people that needs help.

I guess if God told you to give up all you have to do something for Him it would be easier if you didn't have a mansion filled with things you loved..

[Lake]

Comfortably comfortable is my vote.

[xray01]

God gives you money throug whatever means, but we should use it wisely, and not aim to be rich.

[Toboe]

We should live just comfortably, and find our comfort zone.

[die2live]

I think we have a responsibility to provide for our needs so that we are not a burden, if we are able. Of course, two billion people out there are simply not able, and that is not their fault.
After we have provided for our needs, we need to forego many of the luxuries we partake in and instead make a loving sacrifice for those 2 billion who would love to have that choice.
So, I don't believe that we need to live as monks, especially those with families. But neither do I believe that all the comforts that we in the first world allow ourselves to have is okay either.

[AvgJoe]

The poll doesn't have a suitable answer for me.

It does not matter how rich or poor that you are, what matters is the intentions of your heart. Whereas it is wrong for one to seek riches for the sole purpose of gain/accumlate possessions (greed), it is also wrong for one to be poor simply because they refuse to work (slothfulness). It is ok if one is poor, that has honestly worked at improving themselves, but has been unsuccessfull, just as it is ok if one is rich as long as their motives for becoming rich are pure and they have not placed their seeking of riches above their seeking of God. We are to be content in whichever situation we are in but one can be content, yet striving to do better, all at the same time.

Personally, throughtout most of my younger adult life, I was a very poor steward of money and racked up a mountain of debt, which I am still trying to dig my way out of and will be for some time to come. My intentions are to get free of this debt, then strive to become rich so that I can help others in need. If you have alot of money, you can help alot of people.

When seeking riches, never place more emphasis on the riches than you do on God or your family. That is a very destructive path to follow. Even if you attain the riches, you will be left with a vast emptiness in your heart.

[deetersdee]

although the "love" of money is evil.

[Kusanagi]

I beleve in living comfortably.

[GodsSamus]

I know there are poor Christians, but some Christians are rich. Job was a Christian. I think Bill Gates is, too. The question, I think, is not how much money you have, but does your money have you.

[HisLilyWhitePrincess]

Money in itself isn't a bad thing, but if you have a lot of it you should definately donate some. God says "for the LOVE of all money is the root of all evil" Interesting thought, but we won't go into it. He doesn't say the money in itself is the root of all evil, so I see no problem w/ having money. If God has blessed you with a lot of money though you should do w/ it what he asks you to.

[ScarletWitch]

Everyone is considered equal so all of our money and possesions should equal.

[Stacey]

Live with what you NEED, and help the church and community with any extra God has given you. Remember no money is OURS, it's all Gods, and he's given it to us.

[immersedingrace]

My answer isn't there....I believe we should strive to be successful at whatever occupation God calls us to. If, in that occupation, one makes a lot of money, that's great. We should be good stewards of our finances, if we are good investors and make millions great! If we're no good at investing and continually LOSE money, then we need to STOP investing and find other ways to prosper, whether financial or not. If we have money, God can use us to help those less fortunate. But I do not think one has to live like a pauper.

I've struggled with this concept for a long time. I happen to live with wealthy people (I'm a live in nanny) and I've seen both sides of the coin. I could live either way. I see the excesses, but then again, I see where God could use wealth to help others. I also know that there are those wealthy people who wouldn't even LOOK at someone "below their station" long enough for seeds to be planted. If God can use a porsche, mansion, country club membership, yacht, and/or beach house to bring others to him who am I to complain? As long as one is also fulfilling the role of the church of looking after those less fortunate, and is not obsessed with their wealth or making wealth, I see nothing wrong with having material goods. Having material possessions doesn't mean one is materialistic.

Blessings

[Brooke4Jesus]

I think that the Lord wants to bless us very much but I also dont think that the Lord blesses so we can just sit on it. He blesses us so that we can bless others so if we are blessed with alot then we should give alot. Not saying that we should live like monks but we just give freely as we recieve. God's blessing is way more important to me then anything that I own

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

What is an appropriate level of income for a Christian?[p]A better question is, "How much money does God want me to have?"

[californiadreamin]

I believe that God wants us to be blessed... so we can be a blessing to others. There's nothing wrong at all with being rich, and no-where in the Bible at all does it state that we have to be poor. Money is not the root of evils, it is the love of money that is wrong. If you live your life to be able to provide for others, the church and to missions, you will find that God will bless you over and over. :D

For example... is your life goal to be a millionaire, or your life goal is to see the church (your local church for example) be able to pay for that new building? Attitudes like that which are not for your own personal bank account to grow. There's nothing wrong with having that big house, or driving that nice shiny new car. It is a testament to how blessed you are. However if it was your goal in life to have that big house, or show off that big car... that wouldn't be right.

The money we have, the house we live in, or the car we drive are good to have, but are only resource that helps us along in our ministry.

I agree totally. If we are poor or just getting by how can we help to spread the gospel all over the world. There are some who go to preach the gospel and there are ones who help to promote it. Jesus came to give us life and give it to us more abundantly, we should be prosperous in every area of our lives. Our health, relationships, finances, busnisses, etc. I think it depends on your calling and your faith what level of prosperity you will receive. I'm going for it all.

[grrltoangl]

i agree. i don't need more than that. as long as me and my fam are happy life is great.Well, I think an ideal income is one that you can survive with the basic needs, and receive some of your wants!

[scooby7688]

This is coming from a Senior in High School with no money. I am living by my parents example.I would have to say live comfortably, but always give to your Church.

In Christ's Love, Scott

[chokmah]

I would like to be as close to worry-free as possible.

[Made2Soar]

stupid poll, that is like saying, how much can we sin to get to heaven, a little, quite a bit, or a lot. Money is a gift, it is not how much we have, but its our attitude on how we use it. In the hands of some it can be condemning, in the hands of others it can be an assets in helping other people and spreading the good news of Jesus.

[artaxbombadil]

I think being a millionaire is great, as long as you don't spend it on your self! :) How much money should we keep? Just as much as you need to live. Give the rest away, invest in righteous causes.

[Witness Of His Love]

I resolved this a long time ago in my walk with the Lord. The Lord taught me he sees to my needs and whatever money I get is what he allows me. This option wasn't available so I chose "not sure" because the others didn't quite fit.

[Blizzard1]

What kinds of questions are these?

[Rome]

live comfortably and with a balance

[4square]

we should be able to care for our own family and have enough to give to the poor. :)

[firestar]

As much as you can be trusted with ;)

[Jessie87]

We should live just comfortably with a balance in life

[cygnusx1]

more than bill gates :D

[crusader4peace]

comfort with a good balance would be right.

[Brooke4Jesus]

i think you should tithe but keep what the Lord blesses you with

[ProfessorMom]

I remember a saying from a long, long time ago. Once I was poor, now I am rich, and rich is better. I always liked that saying.

[CountryLady]

live comfortable with a balance in life

[MrsKlause]

The answer I would have chosen wasn't there. I believe we should have as much as God wants us to have and be satistied and generous with whatever he has given to us! That might be a small amount or a large amount. It's not how much we have, but what we do with it that counts.

[worshipleader2b]

Just be comfortable.

[lollipop686]

Why should it really matter? In the bible, it says "harder is it for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to pass into heaven." So, we should have enough possessions to get by, but not all strive to be the next bill gates.

[justanobserver]

How much money should I have?

as much as I can legally make thru hard work and common sense decisions (good investments, etc).

[beehoney]

I didn't vote in the poll, but an honest days work deserves an honest days pay for every employee. What we earn is immaterial, it is how we use our financial gains to glorify God that really matters.

[1cutemonki]

We should live in prosperity like God intends for us to live!:)

[jennistout]

I believe that God wants us to be blessed... so we can be a blessing to others. There's nothing wrong at all with being rich, and no-where in the Bible at all does it state that we have to be poor. Money is not the root of evils, it is the love of money that is wrong. If you live your life to be able to provide for others, the church and to missions, you will find that God will bless you over and over.



I totally agree with this statement...

[Shanagal]

I put "We should live just comfortably with a balance in life" :)

[Big Mouth Nana]

As much as I can wring out of my tight wad husbands wallet.

[HolyGuardianAngels]

What is an appropriate level of income for a Christian?


Personally, I feel if you don't have enough money, you can't give to the poor.










God Bless
:angel:

[eaglex]

As long as you work for it I see no problem in being rich.

[seamonster]

I don't see any problem with Christians being "rich," as long as it doesn't consume you.

[greenjeans]

a healthy balance.

[SallyNow]

Frankly, none of the above!

There is more to do than giving money to the poor. Giving time can be to best thing! A very poor person may help another poor person out much more than any rich person can ever help, simply by giving time and attention.

We all must do what we are meant to do. Some will be given gifts that are best used being nuns or monks, using and spending very little, but helping a lot. Others will be given gifts best used towards being a CEO of a company.

In a way, the higher up you get the business model ladder, the more responsible you are-and if you are giving thousands of dollars to your local food bank each year, does that minimize the river you allowed to be polluted, creating a health-care crisis and deaths on the other side of the world? Obviously there are billionaires that make sure each decision they make will impact the most possible people positivly, but there are also those that do not think of what they are doing on a large scale, and think only on the scale of their own business and community.

Then again, there are people that don't make much, and don't donate any time or energy to anyone, and pollute and are totally nonconcerned citizens.

Let me put this way: There are nurses who will never move up the career track-because there isn't anywhere to move-who will do more good than some CEO's. There are also some CEO's that will be responsible and want to cause the least harm with the most gain to the world, and nurses who barely do their job and don't bother ever saying a comforting word.

Overall, the world needs a health balance between those who give money, those who give time, and those who give their whole working lives to helping others and living Christian lives.

[Swede]

I voted live with a balance although I think that can mean different things to different people since we have different callings. For some people living with a balance could probably mean giving everything they own away :)

I don't really like discussing what other people should do, but I think for myself it's easy to form an attachment to money and stuff. Therefore I practise giving away things and money to charities :D This is something everybody can do I think. And also, I try not to praise myself for giving money. I feel disgustingly pleased with myself when I give money :doh::sorry:

[chrissieanne]

Everyone wants to live comfortably. Everyone deserves to live comfortably. That is God's plan for us. To be happy. He wants us to be at peace and enjoy life. The problem is is that in most lives money is the key ingredient. That is very sad I think. But I see nothing wrong with Christians having money. Lots of money even. I don't but someday I will. The bible doesn't say that money is the root of all evil. It says the love of money is the root of all evil. Just because someone is rich doesn't make then less of a christian. It depends on what you do with your money.

I believe that if we have the means we should help others. Those around us, in our communities. That doesn't mean give it all to charity. I would find it very hard to give to charities because in reality you really don't know where that money is going. I would do research on the charity before giving anything. I would not give my money to the church either, yes I would tithe, but I would make sure that the money went to the church I was tithing to not the organization, cause again you never know where it's gonna go, watch a few of these popular Christian TV shows, you'll see what I mean, some of those guys have on watches that cost more then my caravan, and it's a really nice van, Thank you Lord.

Anyway like I said I don't see anything wrong with a person who is a christian to be rich, but it really depends on what you do with your fortune that makes the different.

God bless

[Moluku]

Everyone is entitled to financial security. It is when this is abused and people begin to desire more than what the need that this becomes ridiculous.

[Followers4christ]

I voted "We should live just comfortably with a balance in life".I Believe that we can be weathy as long as we don't start getting greed and all they think about is getting more money to please themselves.I think Romans 12:9-21 tells all of us Christians how to live.God Bless :)

[Soul_Golem]

Money is paper that is used to allow you the freedom to pay someone with currency rather than with goods or services. The more money that is being made the more currency is exchanging hands for goods and services. Really the only alternative is bartering, and money simply replaces bartering. Yet, no one has ever said, "The love of bartering is the root of all evil," as it has been said, "The love of money is the root of all evil." For all the economic freedom it creates, money sure does suffer a lot of harsh accusations. The more money you have the more good you can do with it for yourself and others.

[Selznak]

I like John Wesley's view on the matter:Gain all you can; Save all you can; Give all you can.

[lgintrnj]

Blessings are from our Lord. If someones hands are blessed by our Lord to be a surgeon, and anothers hands are blessed to be a house keeper dont you think the suregeon should have the better life style? I am that housekeeper and i want for nothing material. I thank my Lord for all He has given me and I pray I have given a customer or two some happiness along the way.

Lori

[Miriyah]

I don't think there is anything wrong with having money in and of itself. The wrong comes from how you got the money, what you do with the money, and how you treat others, both those with and without money.

I cannot imagine my husband telling his boss "How dare you give me a raise!? What kind of person do you think I am?!"

I can also not imagine "OH NO!!!! Our stock is UP again! We are going to go to Hell! Sell Sell Sell!"

However, "No one will notice if I skim a little off the top and forget to put it on the books." is certainly wrong.

[gal4God]

We should live just comfortably with a balance in life

[Godslilgurlalways]

I feel balanced life is important:)

[allenwiththetalon]

whatever God blesses you with?

[handmaiden97]

I think there is nothing wrong with making a lot of money, but how we spend that money and do with it matters to God. I myself seek to live life to the fullest with in the means God provides and yet to live comfertably, and not foolishly...to use what I do have, finances and such to bless and serve God!!!!

[newyorknewyork]

i dont think we should be wanting to rich.. Jesus says its difficult being rich... the camel thru the eye of the needle verse explains its virtually impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God... this makes me think.. i don't want to lose God as #1 in my life so i should be happy with wateva God gives me...

trust he will provide
believe he will provide
be thankful for what he does provide
dont make your life revolve around accumulating $$$$

[furry001]

Paul tells us to be content with what we have. Whether we have lots or whether we have a little, we need to be content.

Having money is not evil in itself:
1 Timothy 6:10

[newyorknewyork]

i remember praying when i was a very little girl and i had first heard that verse about the camel going thru the eye of the needle... and i prayed and asked Jesus to always provide for me but never let me get rich... :) i think as a little kid, my way of understanding that verse was to think that if i was rich i would lose track of God. i still feel the same today... :) i know if i was a millionaire i would so easily lose track of God and i dont want that to happen so id rather be comfortable than really rich

[rocketboy]

i think you should have as much money as God has given you. There is nothing wrong with money, but wanting it in greed terms is wrong.

[Deb456]

As much as you are WISE enough to handle.

[FaithChild]

Enough to be comfortable.

[Christian_Babe234]

I would want to become a millionare! There is nothing wrong with a christian having over 1,000,000 dollars or something. If anybody knows Ted Debeose he is a famous fighter. He use to fight the biggest, toughest, guys you would have ever met. I know him personally me and my whole family do. He is a personal friend of ours:thumbsup: . He is a christian as well and he is a millionare.:cool:

[Oblivious]

I think what's more important than how much money we have, is how we use what we have.

That said, I personally don't see anything wrong with having money.

[heffalump_hunter]

There is no appropriate level of income for a Christian. God chooses to bless some with much so that they may give much to brothers and sisters in need. That being said I'm among the people who struggle to get by on what I have. God honours the widows mite. So too he honours our giving, not only of money but of our time and compassion. Jesus said "Love one another".

[newyorknewyork]

i think this is a very hard Q!

the bible doesn't say there is an apporpriate income level 4 a christian

it just warns us that the love of money is very dangerous..

[reverendtim]

God blesses in many ways. sometimes it is monetarily, but it is not always intended for your use, he may put someone in your path that you could and should help. Money can be the worst thing in our lives if we let it control us.:thumbsup:

[meowmie]

The Word says we are RICH but never in the contest of possessions or money. Christians are rich in grace and God's favor which is worth far more than all the money in the world.

Sometimes it is hard for us to remember that when things get really tough and we have more month than money. God promised to give us what we need to live from day to day. Even Christ's own words in "the Lord's prayer" say "give us this day".

The Bible also says that money can hinder our coming to Christ. If we have it all, we sometimes forget that we NEED God. I would rather have what I need from day to day and be on my way to Heaven than be rich and famous and have it all but be on my way to Hell.

[VonBarnstejn]

Not to be poor and be tempted to curse God for it, neither to be rich and forget that we still need God in our everyday life.

Chaplain

Grace Evangelical Ministries

[cygnusx1]

all of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SweetAngel23]

not much, god doesn't bless me with riches.

[ysl_75]

To have a balance life

[If Not For Grace]

Solomon, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph of A. and others were rich...RICH. Job and others were not doing bad--Joseph was = Prime Minister, Paul came from a very influential political family.

Christians should earn..the most their skills allow.
Jesus frequently taught on money and investing it.
The LOVE is what we are not to have.

But we are to be good stewards of our family, time and money.

[Sunburst]

I vote the 2nd choice

[krys4ever]

We should live comfortably with balance in our lives.

[Normal]

We should live as God directs us whether in poverty or in richness.

[AnimalMother]

not sure. personally i just like to live comfortably.