The Morality of Work and Wealth

Lesson 25

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?…”

Mathew 16:26

Is being wealthy immoral? Is it unjust that some people have more wealth than others? No. but the mindset and the mental maturity of the person who is either wealthy or poor can be evil or good. Today I will be addressing the morality of work and wealth.

It is not immoral to be wealthy. However, some believe it is. I found this quote on Current Affairs:

“A reminder that people who possess great wealth in a time of poverty are directly causing that poverty…”

A.Q. Smith

 The Bible is not against wealth either. But it cannot be the reason you live. God has to be. In Mathew 6:24, Jesus says, “You cannot serve God and Money.” It is true. You must serve God only and put Him first always. Money should be a tool to survive in this world that we currently live in. Remember that we can be in the world, but should not be of it.

It is not unjust that some people have more wealth than others. Some people have very good work ethic, others not so much. If someone works hard their entire life, they should not be required, or even feel obligated to give up their wealth to someone less well off. 

There are moral limits on how a person can gain wealth. Not only can you not go to the extreme and become a prostitute and sell your body for money, you shouldn’t even got to the place where money (or your job) tales you away from your wife, kids, and other family. I have a friend who was an airplane mechanic. He got to go all over the world for his job. At some times he made more than he did at others. However, he realized it was a bad environment to be in. He no longer relies on his expertise as an airplane mechanic to be his main source of income.  

On top of all this, I will state that being wealthy can have negative effects on people. According to the Greater Good Magazine, wealth can cloud moral judgment. Again, I am not saying that wealth is bad, but you must have the correct mindset.

~SonofYHWH

Sources:

JTS

Current Affairs

Greater Good Magazine

Photo Credits:

There are Seven Deadly Social Sins Politics without Principle. Wealth without Work. Commerce without Morality. Pleasure without Conscience. Education without Character. Science without Humility. Worship without Sacrifice.