In ministry, we often talk, preach, teach, and write about reaching the poor and the downcast, but it seems we are less likely to discuss how to shepherd the rich and the upwardly mobile. This strikes me as a bit odd for two reasons: first, many of us labor for Christ in a country that is awash in affluence, and second, Scripture fairly bristles with admonitions warning believers against the love of money. It’s not a sin to have money and things, but the fallen human heart tends to enthrone them in place of God so that they become God-replacements.

Almost all of us struggle with sin issues related to money and means. If we are poor, we tend to covet wealth. If we are wealthy, we tend to want more or to despise those who have less. John D. Rockefeller, one of the wealthiest men in American history, was once asked how much money would be enough. His response illustrates this reality: “Just a little bit more.” Oh how our hearts need to hear and heed what Jesus, Paul and all the biblical writers warn us against the worship of wealth.

Ross Lester’s article “How to Shepherd Camels through the Eye of a Needle” provides just the encouragement we pastors need to give our congregations a balanced diet of biblical teaching on wealth and affluence. He offers 13 excellent principles to help us warn our people against having full bank accounts but empty hearts. “When the Bible speaks of the rich,” Lester writes, “it does so almost exclusively in tones of stark warning.” I encourage you to read the entire article below.