Ms Nelta, I think it's a heart matter. If that money comes between God and the person, well, you know that would be wrong. I have known some very wealthy people who were as devout as the poorest people I know.

Many times we see the story of the rich young ruler used to illustrate that Christians are to be poor. I disagree. I believe that Jesus knew the young man's heart and that is why he told him to sell everything. Jesus didn't tell Zaccheus (spelling?) to sell everything, but enfluenced him to get his money right.

It is good to see you on here again.

Hello Nelta, thanks for posing these questions.

Can a Christian be rich. Of course. I believe that Christ himself was wealthy. But the second question really defines the first...

Can a Christian be rich and Christian (lol)? It is possible, but very difficult.

My wife and I have made a covenant with the Lord that all income we receive over a certain dollar amount will go 100% into the Kingdom. This dollar amount is determined by what we anticipate is a reasonable amount for our living expenses and is moderate. We set the amount lower than most middle-class families now earn, not at like $500,000 a year or something crazy. And we will continue to be very generous with our money up to that point as well, giving tithes and offerings with gladness.