One of the most debated topics among my acquaintances is whether an Orthodox Christian should aspire to improve their financial situation or simply be content with what they have. There is a prevailing notion that a true Christian must be a pauper, proving their faith through selflessness, asceticism, and rejection of wealth. This image often portrays believers as monks, renouncing all worldly and material possessions. However, this is not entirely accurate. Poverty and wealth, in themselves, neither bring one closer to the Kingdom of Heaven nor distance them from it.

The desire to climb the career ladder and earn more money is neither inherently bad nor sinful. It is normal to be compensated for one's work. Managing a budget, saving, and understanding economic processes are integral parts of modern life, and it is impossible to deny their importance.

The key is that financial goals should not be pursued for their own sake but rather as a means to realize one’s abilities and talents for the benefit of others. The Lord generously endows people with talents. One acquaintance of mine excels at organizing successful businesses and initiating projects—he sees opportunities where others do not. Another friend is a successful doctor whose talent not only helps people but also provides a very good standard of living. Can they be considered less devout or poor Christians because of this? I believe not.

The Holy Scripture speaks extensively about material wealth and clearly indicates that a person's spiritual life does not depend on material wealth and abundance. Nonetheless, we often recall the negative examples from the New Testament—such as the parable of the rich fool who built barns for many years to come or the rich man who ignored the beggar Lazarus.

However, the Bible also provides other examples: the wealthy Joseph of Arimathea provided a tomb for Jesus' burial, and Nicodemus purchased myrrh for the burial. Their actions demonstrate that earthly goods can be used to cultivate virtues, share with others, and perform good deeds. This is also known as "richness toward God."

The Lord guides each of us toward salvation in different ways: for some, the test is poverty; for others, it is wealth. The main thing in all life situations is to strive for the Kingdom of God, not to make money and material possessions the sole objective.

Saint Basil the Great said, "Do not become attached to wealth with your soul, but use it for good; do not love it excessively, and do not be amazed by it as one of the goods, but use it as a tool."

Let us always know moderation and listen to what our conscience tells us. Let us also thank the Lord for His generous gifts and share them with those in need.

Original article: radiovera.ru/vera-v-boga-i-dostatok-irina-sobylenskaja.html