I recently came across an interesting question posed to Dave Ramsey about whether owning multiple properties is ethical from a Christian perspective. The question struck me as it reveals a common misunderstanding about wealth that affects many people’s financial mindset.
The question specifically accused investors of causing the housing shortage by “buying up all these homes” and suggested that owning multiple properties is inherently greedy, especially for Christians. Dave’s response was both economically sound and spiritually grounded.
The Economics of Housing Shortages
First, let’s address the economic claim. The idea that individual investors or even large hedge funds like Blackstone are single-handedly causing housing shortages is an oversimplification that doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. While large institutional investors do purchase properties, they represent only a fraction of the housing market.
Housing shortages are actually caused by multiple factors:
- Restrictive zoning laws limiting new construction
- Rising construction costs making affordable building difficult
- Population growth in desirable areas outpacing new housing
- Regulatory barriers that slow development
Getting economic facts straight is essential before making moral judgments about property ownership. Too often, I see people forming opinions based on incomplete information they’ve gathered from social media rather than comprehensive economic analysis.
Wealth vs. Greed: A Matter of Spirit, Not Amount
What really caught my attention was Dave’s distinction between wealth and greed. As he pointed out, “Greed is a spirit. It is not an amount.” This perspective transforms how we think about ownership and wealth accumulation.
Dave explained that as a Christian, he doesn’t view himself as owning his properties at all—rather, he sees himself as managing them for God. This stewardship mindset completely reframes the conversation from “How much is too much?” to “Am I managing what I have responsibly?”
“I don’t own anything, Greg. I’m a Christian. And that means God owns it, and I’m managing it for him.”
This concept applies universally. If you have three bathrooms in your home, you already have more than most people in the world. If you make $38,000 annually, you’re in the top 1% of global income earners. Does that automatically make you greedy? Of course not.
The Theological Perspective
Dave briefly touched on the theological roots of this misunderstanding, referencing gnosticism—a heretical belief system that considers material possessions inherently evil. This view has subtly infiltrated some Christian thinking, creating guilt around wealth that isn’t supported by balanced biblical teaching.
The Bible doesn’t condemn wealth itself but rather the love of money and the misuse of resources. Throughout scripture, we see wealthy individuals who were commended for their faith and generosity—Abraham, Job, and Lydia, to name a few.
What matters is not how much you have but:
- How you acquired it (ethically or unethically)
- Your attitude toward it (identity/security or tool)
- How you use it (selfishly or generously)
- Whether you’re dependent on God or your wealth
Intent Matters More Than Amount
Dave made another important distinction between saving and hoarding. The difference isn’t in the amount saved but in the intent behind it. Responsible saving for the future, for investment, or even for collection purposes isn’t hoarding when the heart attitude is right.
I find this perspective liberating. It means we can pursue financial success without spiritual guilt, provided our hearts remain in check. It means we can build wealth as a tool for good rather than viewing it as an inherent moral problem.
This mindset shift allows us to focus on becoming better stewards rather than arbitrarily limiting our financial growth based on misguided notions of what constitutes greed.
The next time someone suggests that wealth accumulation is inherently greedy, remember that true greed is about the condition of your heart, not the number in your bank account or the properties in your portfolio. What matters is how faithfully you manage what you have, regardless of how much or how little that might be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a biblical limit to how much wealth a Christian should accumulate?
The Bible doesn’t specify a wealth limit for Christians. Instead, it focuses on our relationship with money and possessions. Scripture warns against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10) but also shows examples of faithful wealthy believers. The key is maintaining proper stewardship and generosity regardless of your financial status.
Q: How can I tell if I’m being a good steward or becoming greedy?
Examine your motivations and behaviors. Good stewards view their resources as tools for responsible living and helping others. Signs of greed include anxiety about losing wealth, reluctance to give, finding identity in possessions, and prioritizing money over relationships. Regular self-examination and accountability can help maintain healthy financial attitudes.
Q: What’s the difference between investing in multiple properties and hoarding wealth?
The difference lies in intent and management. Investing in properties to create housing for others, build long-term financial security, or generate resources for giving isn’t hoarding. Hoarding occurs when accumulation becomes an end in itself, driven by fear or an unhealthy attachment to wealth. Responsible property investors provide needed housing while managing assets productively.
Q: If housing shortages aren’t primarily caused by investors, what solutions should we focus on?
We should focus on increasing housing supply through zoning reform to allow more construction, reducing regulatory barriers that slow development, incentivizing affordable housing projects, and addressing rising construction costs. These structural changes would have a much greater impact on housing availability than limiting property investment, which actually provides needed rental housing for many communities.
