I don’t know that there is a disconnect between being wealthy and having a relationship with God. I do know that there are a number of people who have experienced such a disconnect, for them, between wealth and their relationship with God. St. Francis comes to mind. “The Late, Great” Gert comes to mind. But I think my late friend Nel managed to use her great wealth to forward her relationship with God by providing a ministry of hospitality. (There was both a real humility, accepting all kinds of people equally in God’s Name, and a willingness to use her position in support of the legitimate needs of others in her case.)
Never the less, I cannot understand those who feel that faithfulness to God and wealth go hand in hand — particularly the pursuit of wealth. (more…)