Faith & History Reflection

HIST 201

It can be clearly seen throughout United States history that Americans have often equated wealth with success. This connection between wealth and success was established early on in American history, demonstrated by the fact that many early European settlers were motivated by the chance of great wealth (Coming to America Documents, Week 1). This definition of success was also exhibited by the lives of Victorians in the North who demonstrated their success through their wealth and dividing themselves from the working class (Market Economy Lecture, Week 6).

This definition of success is not the same as what the Holy Bible teaches. While the Bible does not condemn wealth per se, there are many warnings about equating the success of your life with materials possessions. Jesus tell us: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Instead of wealth, the Christian definition of success is living a life that glorifies God. In fact, the Bible tells us that “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

I know that I have been tempted personally to equate success with wealth. Much of what we are taught on social media, television, or celebrity culture is that a successful person has the biggest house, the nicest cars, or the best clothes. I always need to remind myself of Hebrews 13:5: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’.”