As far as I can tell, God has no economic prejudices. Throughout the Word we see that He “opposes the proud” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5) and gives special blessings to the poor (Luke 6:20). I have noticed in my study of the Scriptures that He also holds the wealthy to a higher standard in many ways. They are called to multiply their gifts and blessings for the sake of the Kingdom (Parable of the Talents Matthew 25:14-30), they are challenged to remember Who really provides for them, not what (Psalm 68:10; 1 Timothy 6:17; Matthew 6:25-34). We also see many warnings to the wealthy to not place their hope, value, and motivation on money. God alone gives and takes away, and we should do well to remember it.
I was shocked my first week in the Philippines when I had a conversation with a man at the church we were working with in a town called Alabong. We were given the task of assisting in VBS at a very prosperous church for the week. I honestly felt like I was back in Edina, Minnesota, working with Grace Church at VBS ten years ago. The church has approximately 3,000 members and most are very wealthy. As I spoke with this man, he commented to me that we “should not be doing ministry here.” I asked him why, and his reply sparked a reaction in me that I did not expect.
He said, “Because this is a wealthy church.”
The words he spoke were saturated in the filth of dependence on money and self and desperately missed the point that God places people where He wants them. I typically desire to minister with the poor, and my heart breaks for those who cannot live sustainable life. The comment of this man caused me to react in defense of care of the wealthy for the first time.
Having money does not constitute a lack of need for the Gospel. In fact, I would venture to say wealthy people have a greater need to know and understand their need of Christ because they typically do not see God as the ultimate provider and sustainer of life. (I know this is true in my own life. I am constantly asking God to give me opportunity to depend on Him and know my need of Him, because I have always been able to have things provided for me or provide for myself).
Jesus spent much of His time talking to people of all economic classes. He healed the sick, cared for the poor and challenged the wealthy to live completely dependent lives on Christ by means of radical giving.
I am thoroughly convinced that God has no economic prejudice. He does not look at a person’s income but their heart (1 Samuel 16:7; The confrontation of the rich young ruler in Luke 18:18-29). A heart that is dependent on Him. And if God calls me to minister to wealthy people, I know there is purpose in that.
The other ministry we participated in that week furthered this drawing in my heart. We worked with wealthy children at VBS in the morning and then slum children in the afternoon. The slum was located just behind a mall (the contrast of which was shocking to me) and the teaching of God’s Word took a different form, but the Word was the same. Children who live in mansions have a need for the Gospel just as much as children who have no place to lay their heads at the end of the day. The Gospel is Good News for everyone. It is life and hope and peace to all people, and God wants to use the poorest of the poor and the wealthiest individual for His Kingdom.
Looking back, I am extremely surprised that a man from CCF (Christ Commission Fellowship) made the comment he did. This church is training business owners, CEOs, Police Chiefs and other powerful, wealthy people. These people, in turn, are making it mandatory for their subordinates to attend Bible Studies coordinated by CCF. Thus, thousands of people are hearing the Gospel and coming to Christ. The corrupt streets of Manila will see a drastic change because of the fusion of the Gospel with business, law and politics.
Manila is one of the most corrupt cities in the world. Businesses factor in 30% loss solely produced by corruption. CCF is making incredible strides in changing the state of Manila by reaching those at the “top,” who are the main source of corruption in that country. They care for both the poor and the wealthy.
As much as I love the poor, and as much as Jesus loves the poor, I know in my heart (and have confirmed in the Word) that Jesus wants the whole world to be changed by the Gospel. This includes the affluent of the world. In many ways, I know this field is more difficult to break through at times, and so I want to encourage those of you who interact with the wealthy on a daily basis to continue in perseverance sharing the Word and praying for those who have yet to know their need of Christ. Your work for the Kingdom is powerful and necessary. I encourage you to have the heart of God and care for the wealthy you interact with daily and to live the same challenge you give to them by becoming radical givers and lovers of the poor as well (Proverbs 22:6). Find ways to care for both. It will take sacrifice and effort, but that is what God called us to so that He can demonstrate His power and ability to care for us in ways we never could have anticipated.
