God has created each of us with certain desires that correspond to certain motivations. Each of us has built-in desires for pleasure, possessions, and power. At first this may sound unbiblical, because we have come to think of these things as temptations.

Note that Paul didn’t say, “Command those who are rich to stop being rich.” The implication is that there is legitimate diversity in the amount of money and possessions held by Christians. Most early Christians weren’t people of high social standing (see 1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

I submit to the Lord God Almighty. I affirm his ownership of myself and every aspect of my life.

So what is “ours” is ultimately God’s, including whatever he gives to us. But that is every bit as true here on earth as it is in Heaven. And the fact that God owns whatever is “mine” does not mean there is no distinction between what I own and what others own.  

Regarding choosing a financial lifestyle that is honoring to God, I received a blog comment from a reader, asking: Do you believe that everyone should live modestly? (Would that be $30,000 per year, or $50,000, or $100,000, or...?)  

Randy Alcorn, Instructor, THS 564J: June 8-9, 2007, Western Seminary, Portland, OR

Materialism can only be corrected by a different view of God.

In 2004, Randy Alcorn spoke at the Big Change event in Irving, Texas, on the subject of money and giving. For more information, see his book The Treasure Principle. In this clip, Randy talks about how monetary sacrifice can actually be liberating!