“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” You've probably heard those words before, haven't you? And you certainly know who the author is. Even the three synoptic evangelists - Matthew, Mark and Luke - state this Jesus’s sentence. But what does it mean? Is it bad or even sinful to be rich? Let's wait a little longer with the final answer. For now, however, let's say it's important to avoid quick evaluations based on a literal understanding of the Bible text.
Wealth in the Bible and antiquity
Let's stay with the Bible. In the Old Testament, the abundance of wealth was considered a manifestation and proof of God's blessing. Of course, wealth at that time was measured mainly by the number of cattle and the size of the territory administered. Do you remember Job? Job was rewarded by God for his virtuous attitude - yes, with great wealth. No one even thought of perceiving wealth as something bad. And so it was in antiquity: wealth was a manifestation of the favour of the gods. And, of course, the reason for the privileged position in society. However, some ancient philosophers have argued that too much concern for tangible matters can lead a man out of the way of virtue and engulf him so much that he does not have time to important spiritual activities.
Go, sell what you have ...
In addition to the words quoted by Jesus in the introduction, the attitude of our civilization to wealth was marked by another story from the Gospel: the story of a rich young man. A certain young man who came to Jesus heard the words from him: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven”. The young man, as the Evangelist writes, left Jesus sad because he was rich.
The following must be said here. Jesus' answer Go, the sell your possessions... is not addressed to all. It is one of the three evangelical counsels that are part of religious life. Thus, in general, Jesus does not ask man to renounce his possessions. This challenge is addressed to those who feel called to the religious life.
Responsibility and maturity
Nobody likes it when someone or something restricts it. Because restriction takes us a freedom. However, we also become unfree when we become addicted to something. Addiction simply binds us. However, one can also become dependent on possessions. It will happen when possessions, instead of serving us, begins to control us. The famous Seneca wrote it wisely: "Wealth is a wise servant, but a fool ruler." And important words Napoleon adds: "Wealth is not that we own something, but how we treat it." The ethical attitude, then, is that one can use one's possessions responsibly and maturely. Maturity and responsibility in particular are a challenge for a person, and this is true in every area of life.
How to use the wealth ethically?
The ability to donate is one of the manifestations of maturity in this area. It is an act in which we can give up something and, conversely, donate it to another to show our gratitude or respect.
However, maturity is also demonstrated by a person who can invest a reasonable part of his possessions just for pleasure. This also proves that he is free from his possessions. Enjoying it, because it may sound paradoxical to someone, is a sign of an ethical attitude towards wealth and possessions.
We at Natalis believe that you will enjoy a little pleasure. For example, a stylish interior accessory made of premium materials. And all the more so as we create artworks whose value will continue to grow. Take a look the offer of our unique pieces: beautiful floor lamps with a crystal chandelier or wonderful premium serving sets, or our whole-gold bowls - the one of a kind.
We can conclude this essay with Edmund Burke’s words: “If we control our wealth, we will be rich and free. But if our wealth controls us, we will be really poor".
