God in Luxury: Finding the Divine in Mansions and Real Estate

As I stand in the marble-floored foyer of a multi million dollar waterfront property, watching the Gold Coast sunshine stream through floor-to-ceiling windows, I find myself contemplating the divine. As both a luxury real estate agent and an aspiring Anglican priest, I often navigate what might seem like two contrasting worlds. Yet, in these moments of reflection, I've come to understand that God's presence can be found even in the most opulent of spaces.

The relationship between faith and wealth has always been complex. While Jesus warned about the dangers of serving both God and mammon, He also dined in the homes of the wealthy and spoke of mansions in His Father's house. This tension invites us to explore a deeper truth: it's not about the grandeur of our earthly dwellings, but rather how we use these spaces to honour God and serve others.

Let me be clear: this isn't a prosperity gospel message. We're not suggesting that material wealth equals divine favour or that God promises luxury to the faithful. Instead, we're exploring how God's beauty, abundance, and grace can be reflected in these spaces, while acknowledging our role as stewards rather than owners.

Consider Solomon's temple: God didn't condemn its magnificence. Instead, the detailed craftsmanship, precious materials, and architectural beauty were meant to reflect His glory. Similarly, today's luxury homes can serve as spaces where God's creative beauty finds expression.

"In my Father's house are many mansions," Jesus told his disciples (John 14:2). While this speaks to our eternal dwelling places, it also reminds us that beauty and grandeur can serve divine purposes. When I show clients through homes with sweeping ocean views or meticulously designed gardens, I'm often struck by how these spaces can inspire awe and gratitude for God's creation.

In my experience on the Gold Coast, luxury homes can become powerful ministry tools:

Hosting spaces for community gatherings and Bible studies
Centres for charitable events and fundraising
Peaceful retreats for spiritual reflection and renewal
Places where hospitality can be practiced on a grand scale

With great blessing comes great responsibility. For those blessed with luxury homes, consider:

How can your space be used to bless others?
What percentage of your resources goes toward kingdom work?
How can your home become a beacon of God's love in your community?

As Christians in the luxury real estate market, we're called to maintain a delicate balance:

Appreciating beauty without worshiping it
Creating value while remaining humble
Succeeding in business while prioritizing ministry
Building earthly wealth while storing up heavenly treasures

If you're wondering why I'm currently selling real estate instead of pursuing full-time seminary studies, the answer lies in honouring my family. The Bible calls us to "honour your father and mother" (Exodus 20:12), and for me, this means helping to retire my parents and family and ensure they are cared for. This is a deeply personal and spiritual responsibility, and I see it as part of my calling in this season of life.

At the same time, working in real estate allows me to continue my theological studies, read more, and spend time in the community, plus its great fun! This, in itself, is a kind of formation—a preparation for the ministry I hope to commit to full-time in the future.

As I continue my journey through both the ecclesiastical and real estate worlds, I'm increasingly convinced that God can be glorified in every sphere of life – including luxury real estate. The key lies not in the grandeur of our homes, but in the greatness of our purpose in using them.

Whether you're selling, buying, or simply dreaming of luxury property, remember: our true mansion awaits in heaven, but until then, we're called to be faithful stewards of whatever dwelling place God provides, using it all for His glory.

Let me close with a prayer I often say when blessing a new home:

"Heavenly Father, may this home be more than a display of earthly success. Let it be a sanctuary where Your presence dwells, where hospitality flows freely, and where all who enter feel Your love. Help us remember that all we have is Yours, and guide us in using these spaces for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Author Bio: Shane St Reynolds is a luxury real estate agent on the Gold Coast and an aspiring Anglican priest, passionate about finding God's presence in unexpected places.