Is it just living a good life?

My perspective

There are a lot of misconceptions about becoming a Christian and being a Christian.  There are so much expectations, unmet and unsatisfied, resulting for others stumble and eventually turn their backs on the Lord. 

There are others that say that to be a Christian, you must be poor. For to understand Christianity and to follow the Lord, one must sell their riches and give to the poor – as said in Mark 10:17-31.

While some say that when you become a Christian, you are rich because the blessings overflow.  God blesses the Christians and "only them" (what others say). Because God will never abandon Christians.  That's probably how people got to a conclusion that being a Christian, means living a good life. 

As a Christian, we are in the testimony of God’s love. We are witnesses to the people and that should be an encouragement for non-Christians to become believers. So where did we fail?

If living a good life means being rich, why are there poor Christians? 

Several reasons why Christians fail financially: 

Too much debts:
"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8.  It was proven that money is number cause of divorce.  It also causes division.  So when there's outstanding debts, people are worried and anxious, causing them to get irritated easily, moody, etc. among others.  Reminder, always pay your dues.

Not Budgeting:
In Proverbs 3:13-18, we need wisdom and understanding.  Understanding our limits.  Wisdom gives us order.  And budgeting is one way to put order at our finances at home.  You see, when you know what you have and know your anticipated expenses, it is a lot easier to manage your finances.  Allowing savings and that extra cash for your kid's birthday party or holiday.  "Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace." - Proverbs 3:17 

Not Tithing:
One of the ways to improve and help the church is to tithe.  Your tithe is your covenant to God.  Whatever you promised to give Him, bring it to Him.  He provided it.  "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." - Malachi 3:10 

Laziness:
God helps us.  But I do not believe He will tolerate lazy people.  He wants us to be dependent on Him, but doesn't mean, we will just sit around and wait.  It is what we do while waiting that show our love for God, our patience.  Pray earnestly and ceaselessly.  "We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." - Hebrews 6:12

"Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith" - 1 Thessalonians 3:10

Is it a sin to acquire riches? 

It is a sin if it resulted to:

Greediness: 
If money is the only that thing that motivates us, there probably is something wrong.  Money itself isn't bad... it is greediness. "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." - 1 Timothy 6:10

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."  - Matthew 6:24

Oppression:
When your riches and possessions changed you and discriminate against others, whom you feel are beneath you. God warns the oppressors in James 5:1-6.

Arrogance / Pride:

All that we have comes from the Lord.  We cannot boast. (Psalms 75:4)

Laziness / Unproductive:

Again, it is our laziness that hinders us to having financially abundant life.  As said in Proverbs 10:14, "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth."

What should our attitude be towards riches, properties and finances?

• Live within our means  (Proverbs 3:13-18)
• Don't be materialistic (James 5:1-6)
• Be Content (1 Timothy 6:6-8 / Philippians 4:11-13)
• Acquire riches in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)
• Ask for God's Kingdom (Matthew 6:33 - Seek ye first...)
• Do not worry (Luke 12:22-31).   As a reminder:  "And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it." - Luke 12:29