Sumrall saw millions of dollars flow through his hands and as far as I know, all without altering his own lifestyle. He built churches, schools, purchased radio and television stations and even had his own ship and airplane that he used for transporting food, goods and supplies to help the poor and needy around the world. I believe he also had his own ministry airplane, but when he came to the nation of Liberia to minister in our annual convention at 76 years of age, he and his wife traveled coach on a commercial airline.
I’m not saying it is sinful, carnal or wrong to travel first class or business. Actually, it can be a blessing and keep you refreshed on long trips so you can minister more effectively. I’m just saying that Sumrall stuck to the vow of poverty he made in his younger days all for the sake of the gospel. He was being a good steward. That is the greatest example for anyone to follow. I’m sure his reward is great.
God Is Not Opposed to His People Being Rich
I believe the more balanced view of financial prosperity is to have a full supply where there is no lack, and you have more than enough to be a channel of blessing to others. Part of a minister’s testimony is to avoid excessive and extreme doctrine or a lifestyle that could potentially bring reproach to the gospel.
It’s not that the Lord doesn’t want us to enjoy His financial and material blessings. He is not opposed to His children being rich and owning a nice home or driving a nice vehicle. God Himself has no problem with money. For heaven’s sake He walks on streets of gold! God is not short of money. It’s just that He doesn’t want those things to own us where we display an inordinate desire for them, which is manifested many times through poor stewardship. This means that if He tells you to give it away, you could do it.
Again, please hear me clearly, God is not opposed to His people having riches and being blessed for the Word tells us that God “richly gives us all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17, MEV). Many have prospered abundantly through successful businesses and financial investments, but the rules are different for ministers, and caution and discretion must be exercised. Did you notice the separate instructions Paul gave to Timothy concerning riches?
First to ministers, he told Timothy in no uncertain terms to flee the desire and love of money:
