I will never forget the day that my daughter's sixth grade friend told me that. We had been discussing someone who had recently lost a fortune and had become very bitter as a result. She suddenly piped up with that all knowing scowl that only a twelve year old girl can truly master while proclaiming, "God don't like rich people!" She said it as if it was a mortal sin worthy of an eternity in hell. She immediately made a snap decision from that point forward to dislike the person we'd been talking about. I've met her dad. He's a nice enough guy and from what I can tell, he agrees with his daughter. They are very regular attendees at their church. I don't know what church they go to, but all I could think to myself at the time was, "Who in the world is teaching her that!?"
For my daughter's sake, I bit my tongue. I wanted so badly to quiz her friend and find out the roots of that belief system. How does one logically come to that conclusion? I was under the impression that God was known to shower you with riches if he liked you. Solomon was extremely rich and God liked him. I thought that God's opinion of us had more to do with our character, not our bank account. I could even see that how you amassed your fortune could be important in God's viewpoint. I think about Job and how he was tested to see if money was the reason for his devotion to God. Upon passing the test, didn't God dump piles of money back into his lap again? And what about the father in the prodigal son story? He had money and God liked him.
Just as ridiculous to me are the people who spin it the other way around, as if God don't like poor people. They act like they're closer to God because they have money. Funny thing money, it can buy a lot of things, but I was under the impression that God wasn't for sale. Rumor has it that some churches and individual clergy can be bought, but not God Himself. Nowhere in the bible did I ever read that you could bypass the rules and just pay an entrance fee to get into heaven's gates.
I thought that money was a tool sometimes used for testing us. Do we remain spiritual while humbled and poor or do we become bitter and turn our back on God? Do we remain spiritual while spoiled and rich or do we become self righteous and turn our back on God? And what about the way we treat each other? Does the amount of money we have dictate how much love we are to receive from each other? "Congratulations on that job promotion you worked so hard for, buddy! But hey, you're too rich now, so me and God aren't going to hang out with you anymore."
What a silly concept that money would have anything to do with one's spiritual self-worth. I'm sorry for those children who have been raised to believe that the amount of money they do or do not have dictates whether or not God will like them. Personally, I've raised my kids on the idea that you behave yourself as best you can, and I do mean 'best.' Heed your spiritual calling. Love one another. Everything else will fall into place as it's meant to be. Oh, and be thankful for what you have. God don't like people with bad manners.
Copyright 2004, Skye Thomas, Tomorrow's Edge
About The Author
Skye Thomas began writing books and articles with an everyday practical approach to life in 1999 after twenty years of studying spirituality, metaphysics, astrology, personal growth, motivation, and parenting. After years of high heels and business clothes, she is currently enjoying working from home in her pajamas. Go to www.tomorrowsedge.net to read more of her articles and to get a free preview of one of her books.
Culver prom limo ..I was changing Ford's diaper the other day when he... Read More
Just a couple of years ago Annie helped her parents... Read More
Did you know that many people retire broke?It's true. After... Read More
"In general my children refuse to eat anything that hasn't... Read More
The Theme from MASHI flipped the button on the remote... Read More
Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along... Read More
Think back to your own childhood. Chances are, some of... Read More
Most of us really don't like it when someone is... Read More
Are you considering a car wash fundraiser for your group?... Read More
Research literature, recent books, and common sense, all point to... Read More
Q. "What do you want to be when you grow... Read More
"Hugging is healthy: it helps the body's immunity system, it... Read More
It can be difficult on all family members to have... Read More
On one of her quarterly visits to see her grandson,... Read More
Isn't it ironic that a country whose constitution allows for... Read More
Predicament:My son is 4 1/2 years old. His younger brother... Read More
A strange thing happened to me today. Or more precisely,... Read More
1. Create... Read More
In "The Ring Bear," a picture book by Tigard resident... Read More
Q. My daughter has gotten very good at manipulating us,... Read More
If there are any parents reading this who are thinking... Read More
Though you can cover even very long distances by car... Read More
"It takes a village to raise a child" is more... Read More
When our oldest son was 2, my wife went out... Read More
This is the third and final article in a series... Read More
Wood Dale limo ..I am a single mother of a 17 year old... Read More
Wooden toys are one of the best alternatives for the... Read More
Do you praise your child when he fulfils a basic... Read More
What Children Look for in a Friend?Is this child fun... Read More
There is little doubt that reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic are... Read More
Have you ever had this struggle with your teens? Did... Read More
Incest is sexual activity, ranging from fondling to intercourse, between... Read More
Many children are jittery on the first day of school.... Read More
Back in college, I wrote for a five-day-a-week, award-winning campus... Read More
Some public schools try to turn children against their parents... Read More
As a mom of 4 who's youngest child is about... Read More
Sara loves pampering. Haircuts, facials, manicures, and makeup bring smiles,... Read More
If you spend any time in the parenting section of... Read More
"I WON'T DO IT!" "YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!"Whether parent or... Read More
Are you glad for the chance to put your child... Read More
Research literature, recent books, and common sense, all point to... Read More
Moms and dads, are there times you think that parenting... Read More
'And all because of a damned cat! It's only a... Read More
Does this sound familiar? Have your kids not listened to... Read More
As Mother's Day approaches I would like to give a... Read More
Bearers of life, wipers of noses, givers of unconditional love... Read More
It is not the divorce but the conflict arising after... Read More
Reading to your child at a young age is one... Read More
If you really want to get your children to eat... Read More
The first year of a child's life is the most... Read More
Parenting |