A Sin To Be Poor?

Perhaps. But not always.

If we place money and displays of wealth above our relationships with God and our fellow man, then whether our incomes are high or not-so-high, we’re out of sync with the person we’re designed to be. Worse –

We’re in violation of divine law.  We. Have. Sinned.

So must we sell all of our possessions and earn just enough to get by? For centuries vows of poverty have been taken as a means of growing closer to God. But intentional poverty is not the path for everyone who seeks a closer connection with their Creator. For many of us, our relationships with God and others are strengthened as we earn income commensurate with our labor and capabilities.

The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, permeated his sermons with the message, “Earn all you can, give all you can, save all you can.”

What if we don’t? What if we let our “money story,” whatever that might be, limit our income? Is that a sin?

What if our “money story,” chock full of limiting beliefs, is preventing us from blessing the people we’re meant to bless? What if it’s keeping us from delighting in the Lord and being grateful for each and every day? What if it’s causing us to blame God for what we don’t have but others do?

I’ve interviewed over one hundred guests on my radio show; I’ve coached and mentored even more clients. The topic of abundance and prosperity invariably comes up in our conversations. Money. Is it a blessing or a curse?

It seems that many women – women of faith in particular – have a hard time converting from employee to entrepreneur. Why? In large part because going out on our own as business owners means going from receiving a paycheck or direct deposit to actively seeking/attracting clients and customers. It means determining and asking for what our services and/or products are worth. It means deciding beyond a shadow of a doubt that it’s “OK” to make money!

Let’s stop thinking that earning money or becoming rich is some sort of a sin—some evil to be avoided. Instead, let’s proclaim that earning money—“all we can”—gives us the freedom to enjoy God’s creation to the fullest.

Let’s proclaim that having a healthy, happy relationship with money can strengthen our relationship with God and others as we experience the joy of receiving and sharing God’s blessings.

Let’s put away our old “money story” and embrace a new, empowering one.

Let’s ask ourselves with gut-level candor . . .

Is it a sin to be poor?