Continued...
Posted By Peter Anderson On June 21, 2011 (9:26 am) In christianity, money
Good Stewardship
In
his comments Dave mentions that the money is all God’s in the first
place, and that they ask God for guidance on what to do with HIS
resources before they do anything. He mentions that like the rest of
us he doesn’t always get a clear answer as to how to proceed, but
seeking God’s will is important.
So what does good stewardship
mean? It means using what God has given us in accordance with his will,
and using it wisely. It also means working hard so that we can feed
ourselves and our families, while having enough left over to help others
as well.
17 Command those who are rich in this
present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which
is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us
with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be
rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this
way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for
the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly
life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)
Wealth And Things As Tools Used For His Kingdom
Dave
mentions that they consider their house, and their wealth in general as
a tool to be used for His kingdom. I think that’s a great way to look
at how we should view the material things of this world – as merely
tools given to us by God to be used to further his kingdom. When they
become ends in themselves, they can become more important and we can
start to lose our way.
Importance Of Prayer And Seeking God’s Will
Far
too often we negate the power of prayer, and don’t even think to seek
God’s will for our lives, and in our decisions. When that happens our
own sinful motives far too often crop up. Ramsey touches on the
importance of prayer, and seeking God’s will for your life and the
resources he has entrusted you with.
We can make
our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer. People may be pure
in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. Commit your
actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:1-3
God Can Use The Wealthy (And The Poor)
I
was reading in my Bible study this week about several very wealthy men
in the bible – and how they were men after God’s own heart. There was
King David, King Solomon, and then later on I read about some New
Testament Christians who had wealth and used it to help others in need.
God can use those who are obedient to his will.
For
instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas
(which means "Son of Encouragement"). He was from the tribe of Levi and
came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the
money to the apostles Acts 4:36-37
Those who have much are called to give much.
We
all also remember the story of the widow who gave sacrificially out of
faith as well, and how Jesus contrasted that with the showy giving of
the pharisees. While God hasn’t entrusted us all with the same financial
resources, we can all use our resources to give glory to him. We
should try to avoid giving in order to gain approval from the world or
other men, but instead give with godly motives.
Humility And Our Need For Prayer
Despite
the fact that I believe it’s OK for a Christian to be wealthy, I
believe, and I believe Dave understands, the need for humility and a
constant seeking out of God’s will. If we aren’t constantly seeking his
will, the things of this world can quickly become an idol in our lives,
and the money and wealth can become more important than our relationship
with Christ.
No one can serve two masters. Either
you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the
one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
The
Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.
He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes
of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is
detestable in God's sight. Luke 16 :13-15
As the
verse says, God knows our hearts. When we try to justify ourselves in
the eyes of others, and use money and position as a justification of our
worth, and not our relationship with Christ, that’s when we start to
focus more on ourselves and our own self-importance, and not God. It’s
something we all need to guard against.
Conclusion
Whether
or not you agree with Ramsey’s decision to build such a large house, I
think there are things to be learned from this situation, such as our
need for Christ, the importance of prayer and God’s guidance in our
lives, and our need to be justified only in Christ, and not in the eyes
of others through our money and possessions. We need to focus on
Christ.
MsMoneyGuru
I used to say ignorant things like "what does anyone need with a ______ like that” when I was immature. Now I have been blessed to see how God uses people who are obedient when they are broke and when they aren't. I was with a really Godly guy a few weeks ago worth 2.2 BILLION. He gives 300-500 million a year. Some of you sent him hate mail worried about his soul because he bought a $110,000 car. That does not make him wrong, that makes that person silly, foolish, and spiritually immature. Note: God gave HIM 2.2 Billion to manage, God did NOT assign you to help.
