Universally we (all Christians) are to pick up our cross daily and deny our sinful desires.
Only one person (The Rich Young Ruler) was instructed to sell all he had, give the money to the poor and then literally follow Jesus. The reason for this, presumably, is that he was controlled by his wealth (he passed up a great opportunity). This instruction was not for every follower of Jesus. In fact, there were rich people who faithfully followed Jesus and contributed to his ministry. It is not a sin to be wealthy and there is no command in the New Testament to be poor.
Jesus said the love of money was responsible for all kinds of sins.
1. Money is not evil
2. The love of money is not responsible for all sins...but lots of them