| Whatsoever
Things Are True
by Dan Coburn Pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church pastordan@mtida.net Is having resources (possessions) bad in and of itself? Does success absolutely corrupt? Are all rich people bad? This is a popular theme in America today in the which re-distribution of wealth is the answer. But what does the Word of God say about success or riches. I'm not talking about a "name it and claim it", prosperity gospel, but rather how do I view those who have infinitely more than me? Case in point: R G LeTourneau dropped out of school at the age of 14 seeking work as a tradesmen. When he was 28, and after a stint in the Navy (during WW1), he found himself in debt to the tune of $5,000.00. This may or may not seem like a lot of money to you, but this was the year 1915, and to be flush in those days was going to be a hardship with the looming Great Depression. Our hero's heart's desire was in Earth Moving equipment, but he was torn. As a devout Christian, he thought the only way to serve God fully was to become a full time pastor or missionary. His pastor at the time (a fellow named Duvol) told him: "God needs businessmen too", which profoundly liberated our hero, and his subsequent success was mind boggling - especially in light of the times. Nugget: In what we call - "The Great Commission" from Matt. 28:19 and following, the phrase "go ye therefore" could easily be rendered - "as you go". In other words, wherever you are, whatever your avenue of witness, be an ambassador for Christ. You are no less valuable blossoming where you are "put", than any preacher or priest. Meanwhile, R. G. was well into the six figure profits by 1935 (astronomical for that time), very active in Church giving and mission support, when his wife suggested they increase their tithe to - wait for it - 90%. That's right, 90% to God, and 10% to them. His response was: "It's not how much of my money I give to God, but how much of God's money I keep for myself". By 1938, his profit - just profit, was near a million and a half. Let's turn the Spiritual Switch with some Givens. Point 1) I'm not suggesting if you give God "x", He's somehow obligated to bless you with riches. That would be the other Joel - er, uh guy. But,,,, as we learned last week = "If you are faithful in little, I will give you much". Point 2) Many will point to the Rich young ruler in Scripture, or Ananias and Sapphira of Acts 5. And in Acts 2, everyone sold and pooled their possessions, which were divided to everyone according to need. Many espouse a Biblical Socialism, but they would be wrong. Why? Because their giving was A) Voluntary, and B) Temporary. In Acts 11, the Gentile Christians take up a huge offering to help out the Jewish Christians. They had resources with which to do that. Our husband and wife were Not killed because they withheld their money from the Church, but because they lied to the Holy Spirit about it. Peter even asks them: "Wasn't it yours to do with what you wanted?". The Rich Young Ruler was in love with his riches, his station in life, which made that his god. In Proverbs chapter 3, we read a familiar passage (vs 5-6) "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not on thine own understanding; In all of your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths". A couple of verses later, God says to you: "Honor the Lord with thy substance (possessions), and with the first fruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine". Remember Jesus asking about giving our kids a snake when they ask for a slice of bread? He asks How much more do I love you than you love your children? How much more do I desire to "give you good things"? No friends, possessions aren't intrinsically bad, but to Love them above your God is celestial treason, and He won't stand for it. Conclusion: Don't judge how God is blessing others. This is the definition of coveting. God bless. |
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