What is a rich man anyway?  Is it material wealth?  I looked up the definition of rich, and out of the 10 definitions, only one has to do with money.  So let’s say it is material wealth, is that a bad thing?  Everyone strives to do well financially, so why is it when there is a level of success in that arena, all of a sudden that person is scorned upon?

Is it jealousy or that pious attitude that you know better on what you would do with that wealth than the person or entity that has it?  “Well if I had that much money, I would do such and such”.

Isn’t it all relative anyway?  I mean the “rich” guy should sell his big house and cool car to live more modestly.  Then he could do more for the (fill in the blank) _________.  But compared to 90% of the world, we in the US are richer than most everyone.  So why don’t you go sell all your stuff, live like they do, and then YOU can do something about whatever “it” is that you are concerned with.

Or maybe it isn’t all the rich people.  It is just those rich preachers.  You know, all they want is your money.  Hmm?  I think all churches take offerings.  Why do they do that?  Is it to just keep the local church afloat?  Don’t you think churches want to have influence?  If the values and morals that the church represents were to exert a greater influence on society, don’t you think we would live in a better world?  I do.

You pay for movie tickets, tickets to the ball game, restaurants to eat out at, and the like.  Do you care what they do with your money?  No, since you received some value with your purchase, you are satisfied.  With the church, you personally benefit and the ability of the church to exert a greater, positive influence on society expands as well.

So what’s the rub then with the church and money?  It is as if you become the moral authority and whatever passes the acid test for you, you’re fine with it.  Whatever does not, you feel like you have a legitimate gripe.  The thing is, there is only one person’s action that you are accountable for, and that’s yours.

Do I agree with everything the “church” does?  No, but so what!  Tell me, is there anyone, or anything you agree with 100% of the time?  I give because of what He has done for me.  I give because I want the influence of the church to grow.  I give because I want the influence of the Word of God to touch people’s lives. I will leave the management of that money to the people that will ultimately be accountable for how it is used.  And personally, the more I have, the more I can give.  All to the glory of God!