When Christians Are Told to Stay Poor

I recently posted a photo of myself driving a Porsche through the mountains of Europe, and a couple of people commented things like “it’s giving worldly” and “why are you flaunting?” That was never my heart or my posture when I posted it, because I had saved up for that trip and I simply wanted to document the experience so I could look back on it later. But those comments made me realize that there is a stigma in Christian circles, and maybe even a spirit behind it, that wants believers to think that having money or enjoying something nice means we’ve drifted from our faith. The message is that if you have something, you should be giving it all away, or at least living uncomfortably enough that no one could ever question your devotion, and I don’t believe we have to live that way.

Everything Comes From Him

“You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)

Whatever any of us has, whether it’s a little or a lot, comes from God, and He is the one who gives us the ability to work, earn, and save. If He is the source, I don’t believe He is offended when His children enjoy the fruit of what they have faithfully set aside, which is why Ecclesiastes 3:13 stands out to me: “Also that everyone should eat and drink and see good in all his toil, this is God’s gift to man.” Paul says it well, too, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound” (Philippians 4:12), and the point is that contentment and gratitude are what matter, whether we are in a season of having little or a season of having more.

Stewardship Is the Point

“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” (Proverbs 21:20)

Having money was never the issue in Scripture, because the real question is whether we steward it well. I’m thankful to have advisors in my life who taught me how to tithe, how to save, and how to set goals for the experiences I want to have, and I know that not everyone has had someone teach them that. “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10), and I believe that learning to be faithful with a little is what prepares us for more.

Keeping the Heart in the Right Place

I’m not saying money has no dangers, because Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”(Matthew 6:21), and Paul warned the rich “not to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17). Notice that the same verse that warns us also says God provides everything for us to enjoy. The goal isn’t to avoid having things, it’s to make sure nothing has us, and I want to honor the Lord with my wealth first (Proverbs 3:9) and then enjoy what’s left with a thankful heart.

A Quick Note on Who I Am

I also want to be clear that I am not a pastor, even though I know some people assume I am, and I’ll admit I probably give off youth pastor vibes with how tight my clothes fit, lol. I’m just a guy who loves Jesus. If I were a pastor using people’s donations to fund trips like this, that would be a completely different conversation, but that’s not what this is, because this came from saving, planning, and stewarding what I’ve been given.

And to anyone who commented, I’m not offended, because I know it’s easy to assume things from a photo. But “the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7), and my prayer is that we would all extend each other a little more grace than the comment section usually does.

Reflection Questions

• Have you ever felt guilty for enjoying something you worked and saved for? Where do you think that guilt came from?

• Do you see money as something to fear, something to chase, or something to steward?

• Who in your life could teach you how to tithe, save, and plan with wisdom?

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Stas_V

Joe Navarro, known online as @joechristianguy, is a Christian content creator, entrepreneur, and cultural voice passionate about making faith approachable and impactful for the next generation. With over 4.5 million combined followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Joe delivers bold, Gospel-centered truth through a mix of daily encouragement, short-form teachings, comedic skits, and authentic life experiences. His unique blend of theology, humor, and clarity has created space for millions of young believers and skeptics alike to engage with Scripture and real conversations about following Jesus in a digital world. In 2023, he co-created the popular card game Discernment alongside Jacob and Julia Petersen, which is now available in major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Museum of the Bible, and Mardel. He also holds a degree in Agricultural Economics with a minor in Sales from Texas A&M.