How Financial Success Can Lead to Spiritual Failure with John Rinehart

Mar 24, 2025

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"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

In that verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, teaching them about the cost of discipleship and the value of the soul in contrast to worldly gains. The question remains: is there a spiritual cost to achieving financial success? John Rinehart joins us today to talk about it.

John Rinehart is the co-founder of Gospel Patrons, an international organization dedicated to inspiring a generation of business professionals to fulfill their God-given callings. He is also the author of Gospel Patrons: People Whose Generosity Changed The World and 31 Gospel Patrons.

The Hidden Danger of Wealth

Financial success is often seen as a blessing, and rightly so—Scripture tells us that God gives both riches and poverty according to His sovereign will. We see many wealthy individuals throughout the Bible who were faithful followers of God. However, Jesus frequently warned His disciples about the dangers of wealth.

In today’s world, success is often equated with financial prosperity, but Jesus made it clear: “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). The culture around us idolizes wealth, comfort, and possessions, making it easy to fall into a cycle where financial gain becomes the ultimate goal. This cycle can lead us away from God rather than toward Him if we are not careful.

The Toxic Cycle of Success

Many people approach work as a means to an end—a way to earn money so they can rest, enjoy life, and feel secure. This mindset, however, is not where the Bible starts. Instead, when we strive for success without keeping God at the center, we often fall into a dangerous pattern:

We Work Hard and Prosper—Hard work leads to financial gain, which is a good thing.
We Enjoy Comfort and Security—As success grows, we begin to rely on wealth rather than on God.
We Forget God—The more prosperous we become, the easier it is to take credit for our success.
We Fall into Sin—As self-reliance replaces trust in God, spiritual priorities take a back seat.

This cycle is clearly seen in the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21). Jesus describes a man who builds bigger barns to store his wealth, thinking he has secured his future. But God calls him a fool because he was not “rich toward God.”

Forgetting the Source of Our Wealth

The warning from Deuteronomy 8:18 is as relevant today as it was for Israel:

“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”

After 40 years in the wilderness, Israel stood at the edge of the Promised Land, facing a new challenge—not scarcity, but abundance. Moses warned them that prosperity could be more spiritually dangerous than hardship if they forgot the God who provided for them.

Likewise, in our financial success, we must remember that wealth is not ours—it belongs to God. If we forget this, we risk placing our trust in material security rather than in Him.

The Virtuous Cycle of Success

So, how can we succeed financially without failing spiritually? We must shift from a toxic cycle to a virtuous cycle—one that aligns with God’s design. Instead of working for wealth and rest, we should begin with resting in God.

1. Start with Rest

God commands rest through the Sabbath, showing that we are not slaves to work. Taking time to worship, study Scripture, and be in community with other believers reorients our hearts toward God.

2. Work as Worship

When we see work as a way to glorify God rather than just a means to make money, our labor takes on new meaning. We use our talents and skills to serve others and fulfill the good works God has prepared for us.

3. Recognize God’s Provision

Success is not merely the result of our hard work—it is a blessing from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us that even the ability to create wealth comes from Him.

4. Practice Radical Generosity

Understanding that our wealth belongs to God transforms how we use it. Instead of hoarding, we become generous stewards, using resources to care for the poor, support the gospel, and advance God’s kingdom.

5. Rejoice in Eternal Impact

When our work and wealth contribute to God’s mission, our joy increases. We see our daily efforts as part of something bigger—something eternal.

A Call to Purposeful Living

If you are successful in your career, know that your work matters to God. You are not second-class in His kingdom. When you connect your success to His mission and live generously, you experience the greatest joy.

Let’s not fall into the trap of forgetting God in our prosperity. Instead, let’s embrace a virtuous cycle of success—one where work is worship, wealth is stewardship, and generosity fuels the kingdom of God.

For more insights, visit Gospel Patrons and explore the stories of those who have used their success for God’s glory.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

Should we rent out our paid-off home when we retire and move closer to family, or should we sell it instead?

Resources Mentioned:

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