Category Archives: Guiding Framework

Ethics, Optimizing Life, Treasures In Heaven

At What Cost Do We Pursue Personal Money and Power?

I think most of us would agree that we witness examples in society of greed and pursuit of power in which individuals forsake the ways of God in pursuit of personal money or power. It is easy to look at dramatic examples and pick them out. I hope most of us would agree we would not do as Jehoram did in 2 Chronicles 21. But that is an extreme example.

Jehoram followed Jehoshaphat and Asa as king of Judah, both of whom were generally righteous kings, walking in the ways of David for much of their reign. Jehoram, however, turned away from righteousness and Yah’s way and toward the way of the wicked kings of Israel at that time, like Ahab.

He had every opportunity to continue ruling in a righteous manner according to his family heritage. However, he chose another path… a wicked path which is far from the LORD.

Truly, though we are not all going to be king or ruler with broad authority in our lives, we all must answer this fundamental question:

“At what price will we pursue our own personal wealth and power?”

Another fundamental question would be to really consider, “In whom will we put our trust? Yahweh or ourselves?”

2 Chronicles 21:1-7

Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat in Judah

      1Then Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David, and Jehoram his son became king in his place. 2He had brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat: Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azaryahu, Michael and Shephatiah. All these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel. 3Their father gave them many gifts of silver, gold and precious things, with fortified cities in Judah, but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

      4Now when Jehoram had taken over the kingdom of his father and made himself secure, he killed all his brothers with the sword, and some of the rulers of Israel also. 5Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. 6He walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab did (for Ahab’s daughter was his wife), and he did evil in the sight of the LORD. 7Yet the LORD was not willing to destroy the house of David because of the covenant which He had made with David, and since He had promised to give a lamp to him and his sons forever.

Most of us would say something like, “Of course I would never do what he did!” Let us take caution, however and prayerfully reflect, asking the Spirit to guide us and reveal to us any wrong motives or approach in our own lives. It will not always be killing others, but may still be harming others in some way to secure what we want in our own way. It may not be as obvious as a kingdom to rule, but many people act similarly even just for something worth a few hundred or a few thousand dollars. Many go astray and fight over inheritances. Others may fight over positions or promotions at work or even in ministry!

Let us each commit to seek the LORD and follow His ways and trust in Him!

Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way and use it for His glory rather than your own. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Greed, Optimizing Life, Proverbs, Treasures In Heaven

Better is a Dry Morsel In Peace, than a Feast With Strife

No better place to explore an amazing cache of Father’s financial advice than Proverbs. Read and reread it. Pause and consider it. Pray for the Spirit to enlighten your mind to understanding and application in your life. Do not simply read over it quickly and move on.

Proverbs 17

1Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it
Than a house full of feasting with strife.

2A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully,
And will share in the inheritance among brothers.

3The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
But the LORD tests hearts.

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18A man lacking in sense pledges
And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor.

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23A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom
To pervert the ways of justice.

Dwell on these. Truly consider each one, one at a time. There is tremendous wisdom contained within… a Father’s gift to His children.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way and use it for His glory rather than your own. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

False Teaching, Greed, Optimizing Life, Treasures In Heaven

Sharing Among Believers

Many today imagine that a strong federal government that takes from the “rich” and redistributes that to the “poor” is consistent with the sharing of the community of believers in Acts chapter 4. This is quite simply not the case as there are a number of key distinctions we shall cover in this teaching.

Acts 4:32-37

Sharing among Believers

32And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 33And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.

36Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), 37and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Note that the community of believers in Acts 4 was just that… a community of believers or followers of Jesus Christ. It was not a community involving those who rejected Jesus and lived according to their own desires. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and abundant grace was upon them. Those who rejected the values and teachings of Jesus were not part of this community. This fact is crucial in understanding why this approach worked for the Acts 4 community, but has failed every time a government has tried to employ forced redistribution of wealth among its people throughout time.

Socialism and communism repeatedly fail. Capitalism gives rise to the most prosperity across the population. Even within a somewhat capitalist system, such as the current situation in the USA, the government interference to constantly take money from some to give to others results in a great burden that threatens to collapse the economic success of the nation.

Why? When a strong government forces redistribution among its people, inevitably the government is also denying God’s authority so as to assert its own authority as unchallenged. Further, it includes all manner of people, not just Spirit filled believers. In this, the selfish nature of the unbeliever (and many believers who are struggling to follow Christ fully) is the downfall of these systems. Many people choose not to work or not to work as hard because it does not benefit them personally. On the other hand, in true capitalism, that same selfish nature is channeled across the population to create business, jobs, and wealth. It lifts the economic well being of the whole nation.

For a sharing community to truly work, it must be centered on Christ and include only true followers of Jesus Christ. Those who choose not to work, choose not to eat. All work together to contribute as much as they can and take as little as they absolutely need.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, 8nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; 9not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example. 10For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. 13But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.

14If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. 15Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

In the community of Spirit filled believers in Acts, the poor people were likely not acting selfishly any more than the rich. So we can assume they took only what they needed and worked to provide what they could to help others.

Lastly, we must never forget or overlook that it was a community receiving the abundant grace and blessing of God because they honored Him through proclaiming and following the teaching of Jesus Christ! Government can not replace God as our provider and guide for a full and blessed life that our Father wants for each of us.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Greed, Optimizing Life, Treasures In Heaven

You Can’t “Out Give” God

t sounds cliché, but it really is true. You can not “out give” God. He is a generous and loving Father, an all powerful king of kings. He provides His people with gifts and blessings that far exceed what we could hope to give back to Him or give to others. We are but His servants. Let us pray for His help, His grace through the Spirit in us, to given and give generously to help others with joy in our hearts. Let not covetousness or personal greed get in our way of glorifying God as we look to help one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.

2 Corinthians 9

God Gives Most

1For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints; 2for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3But I have sent the brethren, in order that our boasting about you may not be made empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you may be prepared; 4otherwise if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to speak of you—will be put to shame by this confidence. 5So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised bountiful gift, so that the same would be ready as a bountiful gift and not affected by covetousness.

6Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;

9as it is written,
“HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR,
HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.”

10Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 12For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. 13Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, 14while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 15Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Generous giving may include money or time and talent… or all three. Look for opportunities to help others generously… but don’t determine to do so on your own power and will alone. Seek God’s grace to help you through the Spirit within you. In His power we can do so much more and joyfully!

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way and use it for His glory rather than your own. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Blessing or Curse, Ethics, Optimizing Life, Treasures In Heaven

Seeking God’s Path: Lessons from Jehoshaphat’s Successes and Mistakes

We will not always be able to directly relate some of the historical accounts in the Bible to application in our own lives. Often it requires a little context and reflection. For example, there is much in the book of Kings and Chronicles, but the great majority of us are not literal kings. We must instead relate to it as any position of authority in business or personal life and not literally only “king”. We look to see how their choices for relationship with God affected their outcomes, without getting distracted that they may be talking about invasion and defending a nation and we may have a much smaller scope of affairs. The lessons are just as important and applicable!

As we read about Jehoshaphat, consider his walk with God and with man and see how he prospered and stumbled.

Jehoshaphat started by following a righteous example of David’s earlier days and God was with him and blessed him.

 2 Chronicles 17:3-6

 3The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father David’s earlier days and did not seek the Baals, 4but sought the God of his father, followed His commandments, and did not act as Israel did. 5So the LORD established the kingdom in his control, and all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor. 6He took great pride in the ways of the LORD and again removed the high places and the Asherim from Judah.

However, later, Jehoshaphat chose to ally himself with the wicked and worldly rather than the righteous. This may have appeared to be a reasonable decision at first as it was to help prevent war, but if you read along through all of 2 Chronicles, you see how that led to his then going to join the wicked in their fights.

2 Chronicles 18:1

 1Now Jehoshaphat had great riches and honor; and he allied himself by marriage with Ahab.

Even when Jehoshaphat asked for a prophet of God, he did not heed the word of God delivered. He was drawn into the earthly alliance instead. Reading 2 Chronicles 18 we can see the full record of how the battle went and also with the warning of the prophet. It did not go well.

God spared Jehoshaphat’s life in the battle as he cried out to Him. It was gracious and merciful. However, we see two important follow ups in 2 Chronicles 19… the LORD rebukes Jehoshaphat and Jehoshaphat repents and applies his learning diligently to running his kingdom going forward.

2 Chronicles 19

Jehu Rebukes Jehoshaphat

      1Then Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem. 2Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD and so bring wrath on yourself from the LORD? 3“But there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asheroth from the land and you have set your heart to seek God.”

      4So Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem and went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and brought them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers.

Reforms Instituted

      5He appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city. 6He said to the judges, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the LORD who is with you when you render judgment. 7“Now then let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe.”

      8In Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the heads of the fathers’ households of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD and to judge disputes among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 9Then he charged them saying, “Thus you shall do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully and wholeheartedly. 10“Whenever any dispute comes to you from your brethren who live in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, you shall warn them so that they may not be guilty before the LORD, and wrath may not come on you and your brethren. Thus you shall do and you will not be guilty. 11“Behold, Amariah the chief priest will be over you in all that pertains to the LORD, and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all that pertains to the king. Also the Levites shall be officers before you. Act resolutely, and the LORD be with the upright.”

Prayerfully reflect on how these principles apply in your life. It could be a business partnership or an employer for whom you work, rather than a wicked king, that draws you away from your righteous walk. Take caution and evaluate. Share what God brings to your mind with a trusted mentor, spouse, or friend. Get an external perspective, but be careful not to pick someone who just rationalizes what is “normal” in the world of business instead of what is right according to God’s word. Anchor in the Bible and test your circumstances, not anchor in “normal” ways of men and rationalize why it is ok to be different than biblical principle.

This article was developed in partnership with HearingFromJesus.org.

Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way and use it for His glory rather than your own. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Control Debt, Control Spending, Ethics, Generate Income, Greed, Investing, Optimizing Life, Plan Carefully and Seek Wise Advice, Saving, Stewardship, Treasures In Heaven

Biblical Guiding Framework For Financial Freedom

God lays out important principles for managing finances in the Bible. He wants His people to be wise stewards of the resources He provides.

In this article, we lay out a high-level framework that provides valuable insight for those who take the time to genuinely understand and apply it. I have paired the elements of the framework with some of the scriptures that support them, but there are many other scriptures that could be added.

You can also check out our Resources section of the website for other organizations with a great depth of material on this subject.

1 – Earn Money: Develop skill and work hard to generate income.

  • Colossians 3:23 – Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
  • Proverbs 6:9-11 – But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up? 10 A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 11 then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

2 – Control Spending:  Set a budget that matches your income and stick to it in order to control spending. This budget should include short term “monthly expenses” but also saving ahead for long term expenses like a house, university education, future medical expenses, retirement, and contingency funds for the unknown.

  • Proverbs 6:6-8 – 6 Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! 7 Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, 8 they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter.

3 – Control Debt: Carefully consider any debt before committing.

  • Proverbs 22:7 – Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
  • Romans 13:8 – Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another.

4 – Invest: Choose to invest your financial resources for growth. Don’t stuff your mattress with cash in hopes of avoiding risk.

  • Matthew 25:14-30 – Jesus teaches us through the parable of the talents. Click the link to read the scripture.
  • Ecclesiastes 11:1 – Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you.

5 – Diversify Investments: Diversify investments to manage risks.

  • Ecclesiastes 11:2 – But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.

6 –Consider Carefully and Seek Wise Counsel: Whether choosing how you will earn income, how to control spending or debt, or how to invest to grow your finances you should carefully consider your strategy and seek wise counsel.

  • Proverbs 22:3 – A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
  • Proverbs 15:22 – Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success
  • Proverbs 14:15 – Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.

7 – Steward Your Financial Strategy: Once you establish your financial strategy you must periodically review and analyze all elements to ensure you are following it and it is effective. This applies to earning income, spending, debt, and investment.

  • Matthew 25:14-30 – Jesus teaches us through the parable of the talents not only that we should invest, but that a good steward periodically checks on the effectiveness of his investments and makes adjustments according to their performance.

8 – Ethics: Following God’s instruction in how we manage our finances is more important than the actual dollars themselves.

  • Proverbs 22:1 – Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
  • Proverbs 22:5 – Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it.
  • Ecclesiastes 12:13 – That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.

9 – Do Not Be Greedy: To those who love money, they will never have enough. Money is a tool to serve God and to support yourself and your family. The draw to “get rich quick” brings much risk.

  • 1 Timothy 6:10 –  For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:10 – Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!

10 – Store Up Treasure in Heaven

  • Matthew 6:20 – Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:7 –  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.”
  • Proverbs 22:9 – Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Greed, Guiding Framework, Stewardship, Treasures In Heaven

The Earth Is the LORD’s: Live as Stewards of God’s Blessings

It is easy for us to think of the money or the assets (e.g. home, car, etc.) as “ours”. However we do well to keep our mindset consistent with God’s word, the Bible.

The earth is the Lord’s and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. Psalm 24 reminds us that all things and all people belong to God. He created all things and is master of all things.

Psalm 24

A Psalm of David.

1The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains,
The world, and those who dwell in it.

2For He has founded it upon the seas
And established it upon the rivers.

3Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
And who may stand in His holy place?

4He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood
And has not sworn deceitfully.

5He shall receive a blessing from the LORD
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6This is the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face—even Jacob.

7Lift up your heads, O gates,
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in!

8Who is the King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
The LORD mighty in battle.

9Lift up your heads, O gates,
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in!

10Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts,
He is the King of glory.

Creation itself declares His glory.

Psalm 19:1 1The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

God reminds us that everything belongs to Him, including us and all we own! The way we spend our time and money, the way we treat people, our own motives and attitudes should all reflect God’s instruction revealed in the Bible and through the example of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Discussing a tithe can be a meaningful discussion, but God owns it all, not just a part. God holds us accountable for how we use all of our time, talent, and money, as demonstrated in the parable of the talents.

Matthew 25:14-30 

      14“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 15“To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. 16“Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. 17“In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. 18“But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

      19“Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20“The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ 21“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

      22“Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ 23“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

      24“And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. 25‘And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’

      26“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. 27‘Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28‘Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’

      29“For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 30“Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

I encourage all of you who wish to honor God with your lives to do a simple exercise over the next week or weeks. Start today. Keep track of how you spend your time. For example… sleeping, eating, playing, shopping, watching sports, studying the Bible, praying. Compare how much time you spend doing each type of activity. Using this data, review where you spend your time. How much time do you invest in your relationship with God? Does the data confirm that He is really a priority? or an afterthought you squeeze in when you have time. How does that make you feel? What changes should you make?

Try the same exercise in reviewing your monthly expenses. Where do you spend your money? Are you stewarding it for God? This does not mean just writing a check to a church. Often we can be better stewards than many churches if we work at it. Make sure you know how your money is being spent when you give it to someone, even in churches and ministries. Is it lost in administration cost? or actually following the commands of God? To be good stewards, we must take time to evaluate how we give as well as how we spend for ourselves. I like to put money aside every paycheck to do the Lord’s work specifically. Then when I see the chance to help others in need, I can do so easily and joyfully in Jesus’ name. I also give to support churches and ministries, but only after I fully evaluate each one.

What talents has God given you? List them out. Are you using them for God? If not, write down three ways you could do so. Which one will you pursue first?

I like to repeat this evaluation periodically, maybe once every three months at first and once a year later on after you have been doing it awhile.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Optimizing Life, Parables, Plan Carefully and Seek Wise Advice, Saving, Stewardship, Treasures In Heaven

The Ant And The Grasshopper – The Rest Of The Story

The environment and attitude in which we work and live, whether dictated by government, business, or within our own family, has a great influence on how we as a individuals and as a culture perform. It can help bring out the best in us or the worst.  We should consider this when selecting where we live and work and also when we have the opportunity to influence or guide the leadership of any of these institutions. We should seek first the kingdom of God and all else will fall into place. When we put our faith in the teachings of God and submit our lives to His principles we make the world a better place.

There is a well known, timeless fable of an ant and a grasshopper that goes something like this:

The fable concerns a grasshopper that spent the summer singing instead of working and saved nothing despite food being plentiful. He consumed everything he gathered with no thought of the future. The ant, on the other hand, worked hard and saved extra food to plan for winter. He made a plan and followed it rigorously, even when it looked like the grasshopper was having more fun while he was working hard.

Winter arrives and the grasshopper finds himself dying of hunger and begs the ant for food. The ant rebukes its idleness and tells it to dance the winter away now.

There are multiple versions of the fable, but the primary version ends with the ant basically letting the grasshopper die and casting even sarcastic words at him with no compassion. Most Christians would agree that the grasshopper was lazy and is now dealing with the consequences of his actions. However, the response of the ant also reveals that the ant does not reflect a Christian worldview, but a selfish one, content to gloat as the grasshopper dies.

There are many alternate endings we could explore, but I will limit myself to two in order to make a point. Both assume that the current ending has in itself a problem we would like to solve.

Alternate Ending 1: Government Must Solve the Problem, [continuing from where the fable left off above]

The other insects in the garden heard how rude the ant was to the grasshopper and came and took what the ant had and gave much of it to the grasshopper calling it “justice” and “equality”. The ant still had enough to get by… in fact he had the same amount as the grasshopper. Both survived winter, but in the following summer the ant, being clever, decided to disregard hard work and rely instead on the insects in charge to meet his needs when winter came by taking from others. When the next season came, there was no food because no one had worked hard and both the ant and the grasshopper died.

Alternate Ending 2: God Has Already Created A Solution, [continuing from where the original fable left off]

A praying mantis heard about the ant and the grasshopper and came to see the ant. He shared the gospel of Christ with the ant and the ant realized that he too made many mistakes, like the grasshopper, but his mistakes were different… like lack of compassion for others. The ant gave his life to Christ and then revised his plans. He learned that if he prepared well, worked hard, sacrificed, and saved… he would be in a position to give to help others. He did not need to be forced to give, but rather he wanted to give freely, as Christ had given so much to him.

The ant met with the grasshopper and shared his personal testimony with him. He then voluntarily gave the grasshopper some food to help him through the winter. Instead of giving half of what he had to the grasshopper, he gave only enough and also taught the grasshopper about hard work, planning, saving and stewarding preparations for the future. The grasshopper listened because he knew the ant cared for him.

When the next summer came around the grasshopper had learned much and because of the voluntary kindness of the ant in the name of Christ the grasshopper gave his life to Christ. They worked hard together and saved extra food in order to help others in the coming winter season. They planned well, worked hard, sacrificed and saved. When winter came they were able to help many insects.

Government taking from those who work hard to give to those who do not creates a dependence on the government. It does not really help those in need over the long term and it removes God from the equation making it a “right” or expectation for someone to receive something instead of them being grateful to God or His provision. When we voluntarily give in the name of God we show His grace and love and can lead many to Christ. But we truly help them when we teach them how to fish instead of giving them a place to come ask for a fish every day.

Does your financial plan and stewardship prepare you to give to those in need in the name of Christ? Or will you instead have just enough for yourself?

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way and use it for His glory rather than your own. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Ethics, Generate Income, Greed, Optimizing Life, Proverbs

Beyond Material Wealth: Discover Satisfaction in God’s Wisdom

Proverbs is a timeless book… so relevant for today that it needs little introduction. Pray that God would allow the Holy Spirit to enlighten and guide you to understand the message here. Try not to hurry in reading this but pause and reflect after each thought. Ask yourself “How does this apply to me?” and “How does this apply to our nation or the world?”

Proverbs 10

Contrast of the Righteous and the Wicked

      1The proverbs of Solomon.
A wise son makes a father glad,
But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.

      2Ill-gotten gains do not profit,
But righteousness delivers from death.

      3The LORD will not allow the righteous to hunger,
But He will reject the craving of the wicked.

      4Poor is he who works with a negligent hand,
But the hand of the diligent makes rich.

      5He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely,
But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.

      6Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

      7The memory of the righteous is blessed,
But the name of the wicked will rot.

      8The wise of heart will receive commands,
But a babbling fool will be ruined.

      9He who walks in integrity walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways will be found out.

      10He who winks the eye causes trouble,
And a babbling fool will be ruined.

      11The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

      12Hatred stirs up strife,
But love covers all transgressions.

      13On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found,
But a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.

      14Wise men store up knowledge,
But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.

      15The rich man’s wealth is his fortress,
The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

      16The wages of the righteous is life,
The income of the wicked, punishment.

      17He is on the path of life who heeds instruction,
But he who ignores reproof goes astray.

      18He who conceals hatred has lying lips,
And he who spreads slander is a fool.

      19When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.

      20The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver,
The heart of the wicked is worth little.

      21The lips of the righteous feed many,
But fools die for lack of understanding.

      22It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich,
And He adds no sorrow to it.

      23Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool,
And so is wisdom to a man of understanding.

      24What the wicked fears will come upon him,
But the desire of the righteous will be granted.

      25When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more,
But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.

      26Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
So is the lazy one to those who send him.

      27The fear of the LORD prolongs life,
But the years of the wicked will be shortened.

      28The hope of the righteous is gladness,
But the expectation of the wicked perishes.

      29The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright,
But ruin to the workers of iniquity.

      30The righteous will never be shaken,
But the wicked will not dwell in the land.

      31The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom,
But the perverted tongue will be cut out.

      32The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable,
But the mouth of the wicked what is perverted.

It is easy to skip through these quickly with a smirk and a recognition that they are true and wise, but fail to apply them personally in your own life. I encourage each of you to read through this more than once and pause on each thought, seeking God’s wisdom to enlighten you on how to apply it to the specific situations in your  personal life and the lives of those around  you.

A few comments regarding verse three that may not be obvious:

      3The LORD will not allow the righteous to hunger,
But He will reject the craving of the wicked.

Verse three refers to more than food and physical hunger. We know there are righteous people who are physically hungry. Solomon is referring to “craving” or strong desires. The wicked will never have enough to satisfy what is missing, because they refuse to seek God, which is what they need. No amount of physical stuff can fill the emptiness they feel with the absence of  God in their life. Conversely, the godly will be satisfied in their relationship with God even when they do not have enough to eat.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Control Debt, Ethics, Greed, Optimizing Life, Proverbs, Treasures In Heaven

Beyond Wealth: Embrace the True Treasures of Righteousness

There is often a misconception that the righteous necessarily suffer in this world while evil and wicked men flourish. This is not so. It is good to pause and reflect that living righteously according to the Lord’s instruction also carries much blessing for the current life and not just for eternal life after we die. It is no guarantee for an easy life… that is not guaranteed for any. Quite the opposite. Trials and struggles are promised in this life. But how we navigate these challenges and our attitudes and values for what is important have much influence on whether we experience life with joy and peace or constant striving and struggle. In fact, attitude and values are a much better indicator of someone who will do well in life than just simply possession of wealth. Those who are filled with greed never have enough, never cease striving and find contentment and peace and joy.

It is far better for us to walk in righteousness than to have great monetary treasure.

Proverbs 11

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

     1A false balance is an abomination to the LORD,
But a just weight is His delight.

      2When pride comes, then comes dishonor,
But with the humble is wisdom.

      3The integrity of the upright will guide them,
But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.

      4Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
But righteousness delivers from death.

      5The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way,
But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.

      6The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,
But the treacherous will be caught by their own greed.

      7When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish,
And the hope of strong men perishes.

      8The righteous is delivered from trouble,
But the wicked takes his place.

      9With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor,
But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

      10When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,
And when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting.

      11By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

      12He who despises his neighbor lacks sense,
But a man of understanding keeps silent.

      13He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets,
But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

      14Where there is no guidance the people fall,
But in abundance of counselors there is victory.

      15He who is guarantor for a stranger will surely suffer for it,
But he who hates being a guarantor is secure.

      16A gracious woman attains honor,
And ruthless men attain riches.

      17The merciful man does himself good,
But the cruel man does himself harm.

      18The wicked earns deceptive wages,
But he who sows righteousness gets a true reward.

      19He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life,
And he who pursues evil will bring about his own death.

      20The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD,
But the blameless in their walk are His delight.

      21Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished,
But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered.

      22As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout
So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.

      23The desire of the righteous is only good,
But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

      24There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more,
And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want.

      25The generous man will be prosperous,
And he who waters will himself be watered.

      26He who withholds grain, the people will curse him,
But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.

      27He who diligently seeks good seeks favor,
But he who seeks evil, evil will come to him.

      28He who trusts in his riches will fall,
But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.

      29He who troubles his own house will inherit wind,
And the foolish will be servant to the wisehearted.

      30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who is wise wins souls.

      31If the righteous will be rewarded in the earth,
How much more the wicked and the sinner!

Read slowly and digest each verse for its full meaning and applicability to your life. Reread it once or twice. Pray for insight from the Spirit. Which path will you choose… righteousness or worldliness and wickedness? How will you let this validate your life choices or lead you to change some?

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? Are you living today filled with the peace and joy of truly knowing and following Jesus Christ? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.