For those old enough to remember, do you recall back in the mid 1980's the popular TV show "Lifestyles Of The Rich & Famous"? Host Robin Leach would come into our mundane homes each week and expose us to the jet-setting worlds of multi-millionaires, athletes, politicians, and celebrities. We got to drool over their posh homes, fancy high-priced toys, and luxurious lifestyles that didn't seem to have the cares of "the average Joe." I wonder how many people, when watching those shows, uttered something like, "I wish I could live like that!"
Would it be wrong for a New Testament Christian to seek out such a lifestyle? Could a disciple of Jesus Christ maintain faithfulness to Him and devote the necessary time required of a steward to work in His kingdom while pursuing such a lifestyle? We all know some saints who are wealthy. While it is not impossible to have riches and follow Christ, it certainly poses some difficulties (cp. Mt. 19:23: 1 Tim. 6:9).
What does the New Testament say about the type of life Christians should seek and live?
The apostle Paul taught in 1 Tim. 2:1-3 that we should pray for civil rulers so that "we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." Earlier, in 2 Thess. 3:11-12, he wrote that saints should refrain from the conduct of "busybodies," with each one to "work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread" [both emphases mine, JBS].
By now we should get the picture. Paul didn't say pray, giving thanks that we live in a country where one day we can "realize the great American dream" and win life's lottery that will make such a lifestyle possible. Devoted disciples of Christ don't desire a lifestyle of "being in the limelight." We make it our calling to conform ourselves into the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). We want people to see the Lord, not us (cp. Gal. 2:20). Neither do we hanker after a luxurious, pampered life on earth. So what if we spend our lives as literal nobodies? Do we not have real mansions waiting for us that will absolutely outdo anything Robin Leach could ever show on TV? (Jn. 14:2-3)
