Do you think being rich is a luxury or a necessity?
Well, if you ask me.. I say necessity. Yes, yes, I know that is a very controversial topic. Especially within the Christian community. However, it is you specifically that I am talking to.
So, stay with me and let me share with you a little story. š
Today we had landscapers at our house installing sod in our yard. Whether it was from our dogs or our chickens, parts of our yard had turned into big dirt piles. Ā This had become less than desirable, so my husband had decided to move forward with re-sodding, but was determined to do it himself to save money.
After a few months of just talking about it, and realizing this was not going to be a good use of his time, we decided to hire a professional company.
So, a couple days ago, we received a consultation, agreed upon a price and scheduled the work for today. About 8am this morning, 3 men from the landscaping company showed up to our house to perform this job. The owner had a smile on his face and exuded a great attitude!
This got me thinking. As I was making Eli breakfast, I see these very hardworking guys laboring out back and giving their best effort. All of a sudden it occurred to me, that we were able to provide an income today for 3 families! Wow! What a blessing that is! Now, Iām sure this was not the only job they were going to do today.Ā But, I know for sure that there was a big chuck of change they wouldnāt have had if we didnāt hire them for this job.
And, because we were not stingy and didnāt try to get the job done for the ālowest price possibleā, we were able to be a blessing to these people. Let me tell you, this just brought a smile to my face and I was so happy to pay them their wages.Ā In fact, I actually wanted to pay them more than the agreed upon price, but only had taken out the exact amount in cash. : /
So, what can we learn from this?
First of all, it is important to get our finances in order and get to a place where we have āmore than enoughā. (Btw, having more than enough is a promise from the Bible. ;))
Why do we NEED more than enough?Ā Quite simply, if one is struggling to pay their electric bill (which weāve done before), then it is very difficult to be a financial blessing to those around us. It makes it difficult to give large tips at restaurants, it makes it difficult to give nice gifts at holidays and it makes it difficult not to try and undercut somebody on a job like today, just because thatās all they have.
Now, if this is the spot you are in right now, donāt feel bad. I am not writing this as if we āhave arrivedāā¦ we are still growing and building, just like you all! And, the ONLY reason we have anything is due to Godās supernatural blessing and increase!! We give Him all the glory for blessing our businesses and allowing us to be a blessing to others.
That being said, let me reiterate something here.Ā I donāt think we need to be rich so that we can just roll around in our money (because that would be gross! ;)) And, itās not so we can just stare at piles of cash (although that is quite exciting!).Ā BUT, quite simply, God blesses us to fulfill the work He has called us to do on Earth.
It takes money to send somebody on a Missions trip.Ā Or to go on one yourself. It takes money to run a church. Shucks it takes money to live indoors! To eat healthy food. The list goes on and on.Ā Money is just a resource to make it all happen.Ā And, thank God, He has more than enough to provide for it all!
So, I end this now and challenge you to askā¦ How can I be a conduit to bless somebody today? This is a game changer. Ā When you āaskā to be able to bless people, God answers. He provides the resources, even when you canāt see where they will come from in the natural.
And, when He answers, not only will you be blessed, but you will be a blessing!!
Till next time.. Enjoy your day, and make it count!
Just to be contrary:
“Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” -Jesus Luke 6:20
“Give all that you have and sell it to the poor.” -Jesus to the rich young man
“All the believers had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone in need.” -the Early Church, Acts 2:44-45
Billions of people in the world are poor. That does not mean they are less faithful, less faith-filled, or less blessed by God. They are some of God’s favorite people.
Have a wonderful day!
Sarah@TheOrthodoxMama recently posted…4 Super Easy Ways to Save Money Every Day
Oh sweet Sarah.. I think you may have misunderstood my post. š I would never say that āpoor peopleā are less loved by God. Obviously God loves all of his children, just as we love our own. However, I do believe there are millions, if not billions of people who are living outside of the blessing that God has intended for them. Jesus came so we may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10) Itās is His will and His greatest desire for us to prosper in ALL things and be in health, just as our soul prospers. (3 John 1:2)
Letās fast forward a couple decades and compare this to your family. Letās say you are very well off, due to the massive success youāve had with your blog. And, letās say one of your children is having a really hard time financially and cannot pay his/her housing expenses. You would most likely go to that child and offer him money to make necessary payments. What would you think if that child said, āNo thank you mom. I believe that it is holy to be poor. So, I am just going to struggle, and if I get evicted from my house, then it must be Godās will.ā Your heart would be broken for that child! You obviously love him/her so dearly and you want so badly to be able to express your love to them by helping them out. But, if that child refused your help, your hands would be tied and there would be nothing you could do for them.
I believe it is the same way with God. He has unlimited resources. And, it is His will for His children to be well provided for. But, if one (or many) of His children believe that He wants them to be poor, then His hands are tied. Because God responds to our faith. (Mark 2:5)
Now in reference to the verses you provided. I challenge you to look at them from a different perspective. Perhaps read Luke 6:20 from the Amplified Version of the Bible. āAnd looking toward His disciples, He began [a]speaking: āBlessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are you who are poor [in spirit, those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for the kingdom of God is yours [both now and forever].ā
Now, in reference to the story you mentioned about the rich young rulerā¦ I am no Bible scholar, however my interpretation is very simply that the rich man believed he was living according to Godās law and not under Godās grace. Jesus was proving to him that no man can keep the law and there is only way into the Kingdom of Heaven. And, the point of this verse is not to tell people to sell all their possessions. The point is to emphasize that no man can keep the law, no matter how hard he tries.
Now, I apologize this comment has gone so long. And, many more things could be discussed about this topic. However, I’d prefer my blog not be place for contention. š I will follow up with an email to make sure we’re on the same page and there have been no misunderstandings. š