Many people say they don’t want a lot of money because there's too big of a temptation to become greedy. Not-so-good news flash, if you’re greedy, you’re
greedy; and greed is there whether you have millions sitting in your checking account or only $20 to your name. But rest assured if your trust is in your money, that truth that's in your heart will often times only be more revealed, the more you have.
Have you ever noticed that we think nothing wrong of the person who doesn't give when they only have $20 to last the month? Yet we get wind of a wealthy individual who refuses to donate to a good cause and we think to ourselves, "UGH! Those d*#@ rich people are only rich because they never spend their money!" Why do we do this; why do we justify greed for the one who has less, but scoff when the wealthy do it?
Worldly riches will always change your earthly status; the way people look at you and how they perceive you. But to God, your status is based on who represents you and He is not impressed with your money. He’s the one that gave it to you in the first place; in fact, it's His. In Psalm 50:12 the Lord says, "If I were hungry I would not tell you, for all the world is mine and everything in it." Your character comes by fruit of submission to the Holy Spirit; not by working to impress others, or even yourself.
The true test of a greedy heart will come when you're presented with an opportunity from the Lord. The obvious and visible sign you're not trusting is when that opportunity arises and you don't give out of love, but rather you refuse out of judgement on one's circumstances. It's only when you truly know who you are in Christ, that you come from royalty, and that your father (who is responsible for supplying for you) has an unlimited supply, that you'll be able to give unhindered. Your dependence and trust will be in the Lord, not in the material things or the people you give them to.
Have you ever noticed that we think nothing wrong of the person who doesn't give when they only have $20 to last the month? Yet we get wind of a wealthy individual who refuses to donate to a good cause and we think to ourselves, "UGH! Those d*#@ rich people are only rich because they never spend their money!" Why do we do this; why do we justify greed for the one who has less, but scoff when the wealthy do it?
Worldly riches will always change your earthly status; the way people look at you and how they perceive you. But to God, your status is based on who represents you and He is not impressed with your money. He’s the one that gave it to you in the first place; in fact, it's His. In Psalm 50:12 the Lord says, "If I were hungry I would not tell you, for all the world is mine and everything in it." Your character comes by fruit of submission to the Holy Spirit; not by working to impress others, or even yourself.
The true test of a greedy heart will come when you're presented with an opportunity from the Lord. The obvious and visible sign you're not trusting is when that opportunity arises and you don't give out of love, but rather you refuse out of judgement on one's circumstances. It's only when you truly know who you are in Christ, that you come from royalty, and that your father (who is responsible for supplying for you) has an unlimited supply, that you'll be able to give unhindered. Your dependence and trust will be in the Lord, not in the material things or the people you give them to.
Greed is not about controlling your assets; the root issue is lack of trust in the Lord. If you praise the Lord when you have little, then you’ll praise the Lord when you have abundance. There is no reason to "fear" you'll become greedy. More importantly, when you TRUST the Lord during a season of lack, you'll grow in faith; knowing He is the one who provides for you in lack AND in abundance!
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