Is It Impossible to Increase Materially and Not Love Money Instead of God? Question 31.

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, asks if it is possible to increase materially without loving money more than God. He references passages like Matthew 13:22, Deuteronomy 8:12-18, and the life of Abraham to argue that material wealth does not inherently lead to spiritual decline. While Shuttlesworth rightly acknowledges the biblical warnings about wealth, his argument risks oversimplifying the complex relationship between riches, faith, and the human heart.

This blog critically evaluates his claims, examines the cited Scriptures in context, and explores a biblically balanced perspective on wealth, faith, and devotion to God.

1. Evaluating Shuttlesworth’s Claims

Claim 1: “The Bible Warns the Rich to Be Careful”

Biblical Basis

1. Matthew 13:22:

   • “The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

   • This verse highlights the spiritual danger of wealth, which can distract believers from God’s Word and prevent spiritual growth.

     
     

2. Deuteronomy 8:12-14, 18:

   • “When you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down… then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God.”

   • This passage warns Israel against pride and self-reliance when enjoying God’s blessings, emphasizing gratitude and humility.

     
     

Critical Analysis

Shuttlesworth correctly acknowledges the Bible’s warnings about wealth, particularly its potential to distract from God. However, his emphasis on wealth as a blessing often overlooks the severity of these warnings. Wealth is not condemned, but the Bible repeatedly cautions that it brings spiritual risks.

Claim 2: “You Can Love God More When You’re Rich”

Shuttlesworth argues that wealth does not inherently lead to spiritual decline and suggests that believers can love God more as they grow materially.

Biblical Basis

1. The Example of Abraham:

   • Abraham was wealthy (Genesis 13:2) and remained faithful to God, exemplifying stewardship and obedience.

   • However, Abraham’s faith and relationship with God were not contingent on his wealth but on his trust in God’s promises (Genesis 15:6).

     
     

2. New Testament Perspective:

   • 1 Timothy 6:17-19: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God.”

     
     

     • Paul encourages the wealthy to use their resources for good, focusing on eternal rewards rather than earthly riches.

       
       

Critical Analysis

While Abraham’s wealth did not hinder his faith, his story cannot be used as a universal principle. Many biblical figures, including Jesus and the apostles, lived without wealth but exemplified profound faith and devotion. Loving God more as wealth increases requires intentional humility, gratitude, and stewardship, not merely the accumulation of resources.

2. A Biblical Perspective on Wealth and Faith

The Spiritual Dangers of Wealth

1. Wealth as a Distraction:

   • Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

     
     

     • Jesus warns against prioritizing material wealth over spiritual treasures, emphasizing the heart’s focus on God.

       
       

2. The Love of Money:

   • 1 Timothy 6:9-10: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires.”

     
     

     • The pursuit of wealth can lead to spiritual harm, making it vital for believers to guard their hearts.

       
       

Wealth as a Tool for God’s Glory

1. Stewardship:

   • Luke 16:10-11: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”

     
     

     • Wealth can be a tool for advancing God’s Kingdom when used wisely and faithfully.

       
       

2. Generosity:

   • Acts 4:34-35: The early church shared their resources to meet each other’s needs, demonstrating the power of generosity and unity.

     
     

3. Eternal Perspective:

   • Colossians 3:2: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

     
     

     • Believers are called to prioritize eternal rewards over temporary riches.

       
       

3. Practical Steps for Balancing Wealth and Faith

1. Guard Against Pride:

   • Deuteronomy 8:14 warns against forgetting God when experiencing abundance. Gratitude and humility help believers maintain a proper perspective.

     
     

2. Seek First God’s Kingdom:

   • Matthew 6:33: Prioritizing God’s Kingdom ensures that wealth remains a secondary concern.

     
     

3. Practice Generosity:

   • Using wealth to serve others helps prevent greed and fosters a heart aligned with God’s purposes.

     
     

4. Regular Spiritual Reflection:

   • Believers should regularly evaluate their priorities, ensuring that wealth does not become an idol.

     
     

Conclusion: Is It Impossible to Increase Materially and Not Love Money Instead of God?

No, it is not impossible, but it is spiritually challenging. The Bible warns repeatedly about the dangers of wealth, emphasizing the need for humility, gratitude, and stewardship. While figures like Abraham demonstrate that wealth and faithfulness can coexist, the broader biblical narrative highlights the risks of riches and the importance of guarding against pride, greed, and distraction.

Shuttlesworth’s argument rightly acknowledges the warnings in Scripture but underemphasizes the spiritual vigilance required to handle wealth responsibly. True prosperity is found not in material abundance but in a heart wholly devoted to God, using His blessings to glorify Him and serve others.

Author: Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht BCL, M.Div. ✝️📖✨

(PhD Student)