Topics

Christian Attitudes Towards Money and Possessions

Topic 6.1 – Attitudes to Money and Possessions in Zambia

Attitudes to Money:
- Zambians often practice saving for “a rainy day” and investing wisely.
- Some may engage in gambling or spend all their earnings without saving.
Attitudes to Possessions:
- Possessions are often viewed as a means of achieving prestige, personal development, and promoting God’s work.

Topic 6.2 – Biblical Teaching on Attitudes to Wealth and Possessions

Wrong Attitudes to Wealth:
- Greed
- Laziness
- Selfish Pleasures: Such as overindulgence in eating and drinking. (Luke 12:13-34; Matthew 5:24)
- Money causes people to forsake their faith, leading to many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10)
Biblical Teaching on the Use of Wealth:
- Riches come from God and must be considered as belonging to Him. Wealth should be used in God’s service. (1 Chronicles 29:1-12)
- Wealth should be used to help the poor. (Mark 10:21-27)
- Wealth must be shared with others, used for good purposes. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
God’s Judgment on the Wrong Use of Wealth:
- James 5:1-6 warns the rich that they will lose everything if they exploit their employees.
- Luke 12:20 and 1 Timothy 6:9 highlight that hoarding wealth can lead to spiritual ruin.

Topic 6.3 – Christian Behavior in Situations Concerning Money

Expectations for Wealthy Christians:
- Share with others: Generosity is key.
- Give towards God’s service: Wealth should be used to support ministry and outreach.
- Honesty in Earning Wealth: Christians are expected to earn their wealth in an honest and ethical way.

Topic 6.4 – The Rich Find it Difficult to Enter the Kingdom of Heaven

Mark 10:17-31: Jesus teaches that it is difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven because wealth can distract from spiritual growth and lead to idolatry.
What Riches May Do:
- They can choke the message of God’s word in a person’s heart, making it unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22)
- The love of riches may lead to evil, lack of faith, and many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10)
Examples of Rich People in the Bible:
- Abraham – (Genesis 13:12)
- Isaac – (Genesis 26:13-14)
- Boaz – (Ruth 2:1)
- Job – (Job 1:3)
- Joseph of Arimathea – (Matthew 27:57)
- Rich men who rejected God – (Luke 16:19-26)

Topic 6.5 – Attitudes to Wealth and Use of Wealth in Christianity and Other Religions

Zambian Tradition:
- “They are never dug hurriedly”: Wealth does not come quickly; it requires patience and effort.
- “Food is never little, only the clothes may be too small”: Everyone has enough; the issue is how we manage and use it.
- “Two brothers shared one nut”: Emphasizes the importance of sharing, no matter how small the contribution.
Hinduism:
- Bhagavad-Gita Ch. 16:12: Wealth gained through greed or dishonest means is condemned. The goal of life is not to acquire riches but to live righteously.
- During Diwali, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is honored and welcomed, highlighting the importance of wealth used rightly.
Islam:
- It is not a sin to be rich, but exploitation of others to gain wealth is forbidden.
- Money must be used wisely and responsibly.
- Lending money is permitted, but charging interest (usury) is forbidden.
Christianity:
- Exploitation of others to acquire wealth is condemned.
- Matthew 6:33: Christians are advised to put God first, and wealth should not be prioritized over spiritual matters.
- Cheating, bribery, corruption, and any form of dishonesty in acquiring wealth are strictly forbidden.

Topic 6.5 – Attitudes to Wealth and Use of Wealth in Christianity and Other Religions

Zambian Tradition:
- “They are never dug hurriedly”: Wealth does not come quickly; it requires patience and effort.
- “Food is never little, only the clothes may be too small”: Everyone has enough; the issue is how we manage and use it.
- “Two brothers shared one nut”: Emphasizes the importance of sharing, no matter how small the contribution.
Hinduism:
- Bhagavad-Gita Ch. 16:12: Wealth gained through greed or dishonest means is condemned. The goal of life is not to acquire riches but to live righteously.
- During Diwali, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is honored and welcomed, highlighting the importance of wealth used rightly.
Islam:
- It is not a sin to be rich, but exploitation of others to gain wealth is forbidden.
- Money must be used wisely and responsibly.
- Lending money is permitted, but charging interest (usury) is forbidden.
Christianity:
- Exploitation of others to acquire wealth is condemned.
- Matthew 6:33: Christians are advised to put God first, and wealth should not be prioritized over spiritual matters.
- Cheating, bribery, corruption, and any form of dishonesty in acquiring wealth are strictly forbidden.