How Should We Gain Wealth?

Who would not be glad to have abundant wealth? It seems that almost all of us dream of having plenty of money. Want to buy anything, the money is there. Want to travel, you can.

Truly, everyone needs wealth. That way, people can meet their needs, and their lives are secure. This is reflected in savings, time deposits, stocks, even businesses. Moreover, having wealth can be a status symbol.

That is why wealth is endlessly discussed and pursued. However, people's perspectives on how to obtain it are certainly different.

Human Attitudes toward Wealth

When someone strives for wealth and riches, there are three common attitudes.

The first is ambitious and persistent in striving. For this group, wealth is everything. Money and riches are the goal and motivation main in life. 

Usually, they are hard workers and shrewd in business. They have the skills to make money. However, the danger is that they become too focused on chasing money and forget other things. So busy are they in their pursuits that they forget their own health , family, or even God.

The second attitude is  to be moderate. Not ambitious, but also not wanting to live in lack. Working as well as possible, without ambition to gain as much as possible. For them, what matters is that all life's needs are met, with some money left over to save. Being rich is not their main goal in life. 

The third attitude is to surrender to what one has. It may be that they once tried their best, but the results never came. Or, they have simply resigned themselves to their standard of living. They assume that their course of life has already been determined by God. Rich or not is destiny from above. The danger is that they will work only halfheartedly. 

On the other hand, have we ever thought about God's view of wealth?

The View of God's Word on Gaining Wealth

Certainly, God wants us all to work. However, if we dig into God's Word more deeply, we will know that there are two ways God wants us to gain wealth.

1. Work Diligently

Riches and wealth will not come by themselves. Unless we receive an inheritance, or we are the children of great conglomerates. Therefore, we need to strive and work as best we can. 

Proverbs 12 : 27 : The lazy do not roast their game, but the diligent obtain precious wealth. 

The proverb above says that lazy people lazy will not get results; on the contrary, diligent people will obtain preciousresults. Diligent means that we work earnestly, with discipline, and do not put off our work. Not delaying means not only starting work promptly, but also finishing it promptly. 

A diligent attitude is greatly needed in work, whether for an employee or an entrepreneur. For employees, if we work diligently and wholeheartedly, the opportunities for promotion and salary increases also rise.

For entrepreneurs, working diligently means being ready to seize the opportunities that come. Also, making use of time to innovate and improvise. The goal is for the business to grow, so that turnover also increases. 

So then, is working diligently alone enough? Not yet. God also wants us to seek wealth honestly.

2. Work Honestly

Indeed, it cannot be denied that money and wealth are very tempting to pursue. Especially if there are easy and devious ways to do it. But what is the counsel of God's Word regarding this?

Proverbs 21 : 6 : Wealth gained by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. 

Pursuing wealth by deceit can bring many profits. It is very easy to profit through trickery. However, as the verse above says, wealth gained by a lying tongue (falsehood) is vanity. For example, gaining wealth through corruption and fraud is certainly not pleasing to God. 

On the other hand, as stated in Proverbs 12:2, A good person obtains favor from the LORD, but the schemer   He condemns. Keeping our hearts right while gathering wealth is God's desire for us. Are we still guarding our hearts while we are working?

3. Glorify God with What Has Been Entrusted to Us

Hard work that we put forth can make us think, that we are 100% entitled to its results. In fact, on the contrary, the wealth we possess comes from God. Surely He has expectations in blessing us.

So, what exactly then is God's expectation for us after obtaining wealth?

Proverbs 3:9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your increase.

The wealth we receive from God ought to be used again for the glory of God. How? For example, by giving tithes, as written in Malachi 3:6-12. It can also be through giving weekly offerings. All of this is to help the work of God be carried out.

We can also give donations to those in need. Deuteronomy 15:11 says, For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying: You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to the afflicted and to the poor in your land.” The poor and needy will always be with us. That is why it is important for us to help them.

Wealth as a Servant, Not a Master

Everyone can view wealth in different ways. But is our perspective already in line with God's Word? What are our attitude and perspective?

As Francis Bacon said, “wealth is a good servant, but a cruel master.” That is why having the right perspective on riches and money is important. By understanding God's Word, only then can we treat wealth as a servant, not a master.

-  Related Articles:

• Becoming “Rich” Without Being Stingy
• Wise Like the Ant: Manage Money with the Right Strategy
• Us and God: Understanding the Relationship Between Master and Servant
• Tired of Giving? Here Is How to Overcome It!
• Have a Pure Heart with These 3 Ways

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