NOW YOU SEE IT NOW YOU DON’T
Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. – Proverbs 23 vs 4-5
I know what you’re thinking! Not money and riches again!? Well, it’s not only a huge topic in proverbs, but throughout the whole Bible! Genesis to Revelation. So if it’s important to God, then it must be for us too! Folk seem to have one of three preconceived ideas of how God views money:
1. He doesn’t really care about it, so He doesn’t get involved in it.
2. He’s crazy about it and desperate for more! After all, many of His ministers and servants keep trying to get it out of our pockets like “for just $35 you can have this special free gift!” Or “send $50 now and I’ll pray for you because God wants to make you rich!”
or 3. A balanced view. He knows we need money, so He’ll meet our needs. He knows money [mammon, the spirit behind it] wants to control us, so He’ll teach us to be the master over money and control it not vice versa.
He also understands that His Kingdom on earth depends on natural resources, so He gives us an incentive to sow into His Kingdom, by rewarding us with a harvest when we do. He’ll also teach us that it’s ok to spend money, after all it’s the only way we’ll survive! But He also encourages us to put some aside too for the days of dearth [the Spirit encouraged Joseph to put aside 15% for the 7 years of want].
And then He’ll encourage us to give some away to needy causes or people, after all what’s the point of storing tons of grain when there’s much want and need around us!? But even in this He will not allow us to out give Him!
Remember this – A farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9 vs 6-8