"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." ... 2 Corinthians 9:8
*****
I don't know.
Maybe I'm just tired of coming across blog posts whose authors (pretty much) say that God loves it when we're poor, sick and nearly dead and that we're blessed to live like that.
Gah.
And I truly hate it when Christians don't consult God, but make foolish financial decisions then--refusing to admit mistakes, suffering--sum it all up as God's will and create a whole 'biblical' doctrine to fit their plight. Or when they expect God to bail them out in a month or by asking others to pray for financial miracles, year after year (of their bad choices).
Don't get me started.
But what I believe God loves? It's when we spend money where He says, when He says and give money away or save it as He (so wisely) directs.
And He loves it when we take wonderful care of our families and their teeth are not rotting out of their heads, they're not dressed in rags nor going to bed hungry and afraid of tomorrow all because of our pride and insisting upon Our Own Way.
He loves it when, out of God's abundance, we give freely to others in need worldwide, rather than believe if we just limp along with enough for "us four and no more," that's plenty and pleasing to God.
Splashed across Bible pages, we're instructed to give (give, give!) and it's written that God is a wonderful provider so we are to be, also. We're promised what we've given will be given back to us ... and that everyone's needs will be met this way.
How does a poverty gospel even fit those commandments? And what kind of a loving Father enjoys watching his children neglected, struggling with fears of homelessness and a sad future?
Well, anyway ... believe what you want and live however you wish.
But as for me, I'll continue seeking God's wisdom and laughing at my own. I'll keep tithing and spreading dollars like the seeds they are and believing God will return to me what I gave in His name, even multiplied.
It's worked these past 35 years of my marriage and no blog post anywhere will convince me that being poor is a bright witness to the unsaved, something that will make them want a God who must wait to care for them in Heaven because He's pretty helpless down here(!)
*****
"Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." ... Malachi 3:10
"Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" ... Matthew 7:9-11
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." ... Proverbs 16:18
"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” ... Luke 6:38
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." ... Philippians 4:19
*****
Can bad things happen financially to Christians who made right choices? Of course. (Tom's 20 month layoff comes to mind.) But God is huge enough to deliver us out of them all.
"The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all..." ... Psalm 34:19
Amen! Love it!
ReplyDeleteYes, Amen!
ReplyDeleteI think some people just like to act the martyr.
I say AMEN, also. People need to get their heads outta the sand and do the RIGHT thing. Simply following the Golden Rule would be a great place to start.
ReplyDeleteGood post, Debra! Joyce
ReplyDeleteTrue enough that bad choices bring us all at times, to hard places financially. And sometimes, as in a job loss, it comes to us, through nothing we caused. The other issue that nearly broke us, was medical issues with our children, one child more than the others...and had we been living at that time, in any other place (was a small duplex that we added some space in the basement for more bedrooms) we certainly would have gone bankrupt. And again, when hubby lost his job, had it been a grander place, we would not have been able to avoid bankruptcy. Did GOD help us? Most certainly HE did. This was a length of 13 years!! So yes, we were eventually delivered of living in that location entirely...though that had not been our goal. But remaining faithful as possible during such times is not easy (though in other ways, some of the best times of our lives, relationship-wise). I do hate the "gospel" of some that states, if you are in sin, then such bad times comes your way...I am here to say, if you live long enough, even if doing your best to live for GOD, such trials may come your way. I do love the book of Job!! The final report card yet awaits!!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth in WA
Thanks, Everyone! I always appreciate your thoughts and encouragement. Always! Blessings, Debra
ReplyDelete