What a great topic. I started looking up scripture and they are plentiful! Some of those most meaningful to me are the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up of yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Hebrews 13:5 says " Keep your lives free from the love and money and be content with what you have.". I think that's very powerful, the issue of contentment. When I'm truly grateful I am not restless for more. Philippians 4:11-13 Paul says that he has learned to be content whatever the situation, weather he is brought low or abounds. And then he says something interesting, "I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengths me." This says there's a secret to facing plenty and abundance, the same secret as facing hunger and need and the secret is this, Christ Strengthens Us. So wether we have or we are in need, it is still Christ we rely on.
Luke 12 Jesus reminds us that our lives do not consist in the abundance of our possessions. Ecclesiastes 5 is Solomon saying whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.
II Cor. 2 reminds me of Ray, "Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit."
Ray reminds us in the Rich Man and Lazarus that there was never anything great about being a begger. That was not a station in life that was valued in the Old Testament scriptures. . Just thought I'd add this to the discussion.
Weather you, newgene, pursue this opportunity or not isn't the important thing: it is doing as the Holy Spirit leads you to do. There's nothing intrinsically wrong with having a larger income. Very often though when I am presented with 'opportunities', the person doing most of the profiting is the one presenting it to me. Usually a large income comes with a great deal of work and there really are no 'get rich quick' ideas. There are good products and good ideas, but few are profitable in the long haul to the ordinary individual (in my experience).
I do believe that the gifts presented to the baby Jesus were of great value- I suppose God's way of providing for Mary and Joseph as they fled with their precious Son. But how that translates into God being a God of value and worth escapes me, because everything tells me of the value and worth of God. And yes, the Patriarchs were quite wealthy- I even heard a Rabbi recently admit that Jews are still quite wealthy and give the credit to God. But I am grateful that although He has given me a little wealth he has most importantly given me His Spirit, worth far more than pensions and stocks and houses.
There's so much more to this topic and I'm sure our fellow forum members will provide it. Whatever you do, don't be afraid at all because Jesus is your all in all.