For many of us growing up, there was an unspoken (or very loudly spoken!) message:
Rich people are greedy.
Rich people are selfish.
Rich people are stepping on others to get ahead.
It’s no wonder so many of us subconsciously link “being good” with “being poor.”
We worry that if we become wealthy, we might turn into one of those people — cold, selfish, disconnected from real life.
And so, without even realizing it, we set invisible limits on our own success. We keep ourselves small.
Because somewhere deep inside, we’re scared that having more might make us less.
But here’s the truth: Money is not the enemy.
Being rich is not the problem.
In fact, it’s GOOD to be rich — because money in the hands of good people does incredible things.
And if you’re a Christian, you need to know this:
Jesus never said we must stay poor to be righteous.
Let’s talk about it.
Money Is a Tool — Not a Moral Judgment
Money is neutral.
It’s not good or bad, holy or evil.
It’s just energy — a resource we can direct based on who we already are.
If you’re a kind, generous, compassionate person, guess what?
Having more money just gives you more power to express that kindness and generosity.
You can:
Help fund a cause you care about.
Support your family members when they need it.
Start a scholarship.
Donate to your local food bank.
Pay for a friend’s medical bills.
Build a business that hires others and treats them with dignity.
Money doesn’t turn you into someone else.
It amplifies who you already are.
If you’re worried about becoming a greedy monster when you get wealthy — that worry alone tells you you’re NOT the kind of person who would become one.
Because you care.
Jesus Didn’t Say Poverty Was Holiness
Somewhere along the way, a myth crept into Christian culture:
That poverty was somehow a sign of being more righteous, more humble, more “holy.”
But Jesus never said, “Stay poor so you can be close to Me.”
In fact, He often talked about abundance — spiritual and physical.
John 10:10 says,
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
Abundance is a blessing, not a curse.
It’s not money that’s the problem — it’s the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10) that causes destruction.
When we put money above God, above people, above goodness — that’s when it becomes toxic.
But using money wisely, generously, and joyfully?
That’s honouring God.
Many heroes of the Bible were blessed with great wealth:
Abraham had immense riches and cattle.
Joseph managed the wealth of Egypt and used it to save nations from famine.
Solomon was known for both his wisdom and incredible wealth.
We are called to be wise stewards of what we are given — whether it’s a little or a lot.
Money simply increases the good we can do.
The Myth of the “Bad Rich Person”
Of course, there are examples of wealthy people who act terribly. I could name a few right now, but I don’t want to ruin a positive blog!!
(There are examples of poor people who act terribly too.)
But there are also countless examples of people who use their wealth to bless the world.
Think about:
Oprah Winfrey, who has funded education programs, leadership academies, and scholarships for decades.
Melinda French Gates, who has committed billions toward global health, education, and gender equality initiatives.
Chuck Feeney, the billionaire who gave away nearly all his fortune anonymously and lived a modest life.
MacKenzie Scott, who has donated billions to small nonprofits and underserved communities without seeking fame.
We need more good people with money.
Staying Poor Doesn’t Make You Nicer
One of the biggest myths we cling to is that staying poor makes us better people.
That somehow struggling financially is more “noble” than thriving.
But here’s the truth:
Worrying about bills doesn’t make you kinder.
Living paycheck to paycheck doesn’t make you more moral.
Feeling stressed about money doesn’t make you more virtuous.
God doesn’t want you living in constant fear, burden, or scarcity.
He wants you free — free to serve, free to give, free to live your calling without being chained to survival mode.
Poverty doesn’t make you better.
It just makes life harder.
Planning for Wealth Is Wise — Not Selfish
Somewhere along the line, we got the idea that planning to have more money was selfish.
That dreaming bigger was greedy.
That wanting to be comfortable — even wealthy — was somehow a character flaw.
It’s not.
It’s smart.
It’s responsible.
When you plan for financial success, you’re not just planning for yourself.
You’re planning for the generations after you. (This will be the topic of next weeks blog)
It’s Time to Embrace Wealth Without Guilt
Imagine a world where good, kind-hearted people — people like you — had more money than they could ever need.
What would that world look like?
Communities supported.
Families thriving.
Education accessible.
Dreams realised.
It gives you the ability to live generously, give freely, and expand joyfully.
So it’s time to let go of the old guilt.
It’s time to stop believing that staying small financially keeps you pure.
Becoming wealthy is one of the most powerful ways you can bless the world.
Because when good people have money, everyone wins. 💛
What are you saying to yourself about money, riches and becoming wealthy?
I have a short exercise that you can do that will help you hear the words you say to yourself around money. Get it here:
I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions.
Love Kay.