A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (October 27, 2015)
Then He said to them, “Watch out and guard yourselves against every form of greed; for not even when one has an overflowing abundance does his life consist of nor is it derived from his possessions. (Luke 12:15)
The people that know us well know that my wife and I have worked around a lot of wealthy people over the last twenty-six years. We have seen how greed can change people. We have also seen the good that can come from having the resources to help people. God has no problem with getting wealth to you if he can get it through you.The parable of the rich fool highlights the problem with trying to store wealth on this earth versus storing treasures in Heaven.
Listen to this parable from Jesus:Then he told them this story: “The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: What can I do? My barn isn’t big enough for this harvest. Then he said, Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life! Just then God showed up and said, Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it? That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.” (Luke 12:16-21, The Message Bible)
I have had so many people ask me over the years, “what are some of the secrets to handling wealth that you have witnessed over the years? ” Here are a few of my personal observations. Stay close to God and His Word! Constantly check your motives! Be an extravagant giver! Be quick to forgive! Be quick to repent! Have good people around you that you can trust and depend on! Listen to your spouse!
God has no problem with wealth but He is not impressed with your cars, lands or investments. He is concerned with your heart and your compassion. He is well pleased when you use your wealth, which He gave you power to gain, for the good of the Kingdom and the less fortunate. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. (Deuteronomy 8:18)
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
