Why do I feel guilty for being blessed?

By Chuck Bentley, CP Guest Contributor Friday, February 20, 2026

Dear Chuck,

Is it wrong to enjoy wealth or nice things? I feel guilty for how the Lord has blessed us.

Counting My Blessings

Dear Counting My Blessings,

No, it is not wrong to have nice things; however, let’s examine two false teachings about money.

One is the prosperity gospel, which says we can demand God to make us materially rich and that wealth is a sign of His favor in our lives. The other is the poverty gospel, which deems money to be evil, assumes the rich must be greedy, and believes electing poverty makes one more righteous in God’s eyes.

Remember, we are all unrighteous and only made righteous as a gift of Christ’s righteousness through faith in Him; it is not earned by our works. 

The Bible teaches us that everything belongs to the Lord; all that we have is not just a blessing but also a responsibility as His stewards. 1 Corinthians 4:2 declares that “stewards must be found faithful.” So often, Christians thank God for their abundance but disregard their responsibility to use their resources as faithful stewards of temporary riches.

When we think money is ours, we usually ask ourselves, “How much of my money should I give?” The better question is, “How much of God’s money should I spend on my lifestyle?”

Faithful stewardship

It’s important to prayerfully determine a balanced financial position and be cautious against advisors who create rules out of principles. We need to examine our own hearts before the Lord and His Word: Are we accumulating too much? Are we protecting rather than growing in generosity? How much should we leave our children? How much should we invest or hold for retirement?

Answers vary for every family, and they need to be prayed over and discussed with wise, godly counselors.

How much is enough?

We have enough when we can “do good, be rich in good works, be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for ourselves as a good foundation for the future, so that we may take hold of that which is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:18–19 ESV paraphrased).

Let’s aspire to live this way! We’re to work and provide for our loved ones while keeping a humble dependence on God. Affluence presents a great threat to our walk with the Lord. For “Where your treasure is, there your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:21 ESV).

We should not depend on the government, the church, or others when we have the ability to work and provide for ourselves or the opportunity to advance our education. Laziness is unacceptable. We should also not feel guilty when our work has financial rewards.

Decisions about future provision vary according to our circumstances. God’s plan for our lives will determine necessary lifestyle adjustments. 

At a minimum, we should implement plans to save for upcoming needs and emergencies. Then we can focus on increasing our generosity, long-term savings, and investing.

Wealth carries risk

God warned Israel of the risk in Deuteronomy 8: “When you have eaten and are satisfied … when your silver and gold increase … then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 8:10–14 NIV).

Their danger wasn’t poverty; it was prosperity. Affluence can quietly shift our dependence. When resources increase, it’s easy to trust salaries and savings accounts more than our Provider.

Jesus said in Luke 12:15, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (NIV). Wealth offers security, but unless accompanied by surrender, it can lead to self-sufficiency and become an enemy of faithful stewardship.

Wealth is not evil. It’s a tool. But tools can build — or they can distract.

If God has entrusted you with much, guard your heart. Practice gratitude daily. Work joyfully, give sacrificially, and invest in what lasts forever.

The greatest threat of affluence isn’t losing money; it’s losing dependence on God.

Be grateful for what you have

The truth is, most Americans are rich beyond comparison when viewed in the context of economic history. But too often, we only compare ourselves with what our friends have. If they buy a new car, we may be tempted to do likewise. Or we can rejoice with them while being grateful that our vehicle still works and that we can help others afford a dependable vehicle in their need.

Paul spoke with the Ephesian elders, saying,

“I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 6:33–35 ESV).

Paul wrote to the Philippians, “I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11–13 ESV).

Time here is short, but eternity is long

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21 ESV).

I refer you to some of my friends, the Hobelmann brothers, who set a financial finish line:  https://www.finishlinepledge.com. Prayerfully consider if the Lord is leading you to do likewise.

Whether you’ve been part of Crown for years or are just discovering us, we’d love for you to be part of our 50th Anniversary Celebration. For five decades, Crown has taught biblical stewardship principles that transform finances, strengthen families, and deepen faith. Lives have been changed. Communities have been empowered. Purpose has been rediscovered. And we’re just getting started!