Much of Christianity seems to focus on the benefits that can be discovered from biblical exploration. The boundary between the spiritual and the carnal has basically disappeared. Materialism has become part of the Gospel. Many Christian leaders have made bold statements that Jesus spoke more about money than any other topic. If that’s true, his emphasis was not on receiving, but on giving. He did not emphasize supporting the local synagogue or keeping the temple and its rulers in a position of financial greatness, but rather meeting the needs of the people. The tax system was a combination of Roman and religious taxes. The money raised by the Roman government was used to support its occupying army, while the “religious” tax was used to maintain the Temple as a place of opulence, as well as to fill the money bags of the “spiritual” leaders. .
The thread of the ascetic environment and the prosperity of leadership has continued throughout the centuries. Instead of taxes, the Old Testament concept of tithing has become the source of financial stability. Much of today’s tithe goes to the local church to maintain the building complex, as well as to pay the pastor and his support staff.
From the beginning of the knowledge of the Scriptures, the man has tried to interpret the content of the Bible according to the “progressive” changes of the church. One of the greatest obstacles to spiritual growth, both spiritually and physically, is not understanding Biblical Truth. Almost all generations have taken the liberty of interpreting the Scriptures. The rapture theory was introduced in the early 20th century. The prosperity gospel appeared in the mid-20th century. There are many other examples of misinterpreted truths that have been presented to the Body of Christ. As time passes, more new doctrines appear.
One day a man asked Jesus to resolve a dispute he had with his brother. The problem was that his brother did not give him his share of the inheritance. Jesus responded with a simple rebuke: “Man, who made me judge or divider of you?” (Luke 12:14) This exchange gives an idea of how Jesus viewed the issue of money. He pointed out how greed can steal one of the things that really matter in life. He shared how a man built bigger barns to keep his reward “fruitful”, but the problem was that his life would not last longer than his possessions. (Luke 12: 16-20) Jesus emphasized that it is not the things that one acquires that ensures life, but the faith that God will take care of them. He even encouraged people to sell what they had and give it to the poor (alms). (Luke 12:35) Jesus emphasized that it is not about dependence on oneself, but dependence on God. It is not about depending on money, but about the faith that God will supply the things that are necessary in life. Today, people have attached money to the Gospel message, and as a result, the world only sees and hears the church continually asking for money.
A good test of one’s spiritual walk is how little money plays into their thoughts and actions. Jesus leaves us with a simple thought: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will also be”. (Luke 12:34)