So, is it a sin to be rich?

In conservative Christian circles, we push hard against the idols of materialism. And rightfully so, since the love of money is "a root of all kinds of evil" and "you cannot serve both God and money" (1 Tim. 6:10; Matt. 6:24). But, I have noticed in our circles (and, frankly, sometimes in my heart) a tendency to look down on wealth as though it were an inherent evil. Sometimes, it seems that we view being rich as a sin in and of itself (even though we'd never say this!)

The Bible is loaded (pun intended) with teachings about money, wealth, and riches. One such applicable passage is found in 1 Timothy 6. In verse 17, Paul tells Timothy (a younger pastor) how to address the rich, by writing, "As for the rich in this present age..." There is no doubt about whom he is speaking. Loaded people. Big wigs. Fat cats. If there ever were a great time to blast the inherent evil of wealth, this would be it! Paul does not teach that riches are sinful; rather, his instruction tells us some of the temptations that arise with having wealth, and how to worship God as a rich person. Let's check out his instruction.

"...charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."

We can sum up this instruction with 3 simple ways to worship God as a rich person (note that the instruction does not say "Become a poor person").
Be humble, for riches will tempt you to boast in your accomplishments and base your soul's worth on your net worth.
Be hopeful in God, for he gives you all good things to enjoy, including your wealth, but more importantly, your salvation.
Be helpful, for riches tempt you to place value in your portfolio, and not in freely blessing others with the blessings God has freely given you.

Piper once tweeted, "The only difference between a rich person and a poor person is the amount of money they have." And the Bible would agree. It is not a sin to be rich; it is a sin to allow riches to breed pride, self-sufficiency, and selfishness rather than humility, gratitude, and generosity.