This is difficult topic for a preacher to talk about because… Some people think preachers talk about it too much. Some people think that’s all churches care about. But really, the truth is many people don't want to talk about money because in their lives they are so messed up in this area they don’t want to think about it, or talk about it, or be forced to look at it.
So let me set this up - We live in a culture that is constantly telling us and enticing us with the concept of HOW TO GET RICH. We are constantly being baited to feel like we need more. We are constantly being told that we can have more or that we deserve more. We are constantly being reminded that we should not be happy until we have it ALL. Basically, We live in a society that is all about promoting - THE WANT TO be rich. And the problem is, nobody is saying anything about how to BE rich. In other words – once you get rich – how do you be rich and be healthy and happy and content? How do you not let money become the central driving force in your life? How do you fight the tendency to put all your trust in your riches? How do you have money but not let money have you? How do you tell money what to do instead of money telling you what to do.
Now I know some - no, many - people saw the title of this blog and they saw the word “rich” and they said to themselves, "that’s not me, So this ones probably not for me. Here’s the deal though, how do we know who’s rich and who’s not? There’s not a line that when you cross it you go, "WOHO – I made it, I’m rich – finally I crossed the line". And so here’s what happens, no one thinks they are rich and so no one is trying to learn how to BE rich We’re all stuck in the striving to get rich. Praying to be blessed. Working and stressing and scheming to get a little more. And no one is stopping to realize and value or be thankful for how financially blessed we really are. No one recognizes that maybe we are rich people.
Track with me here – many of us here today are rich and we don’t accept it. And so we are living with a financial concept or in a financial system that says we need just a little bit more. When really we should be living in a financial system that is asking how do we find contentment. Isn't this how it is for most people. The poor guy says he needs $1000 dollars more. The middle class guy says he needs $10,000 more. And the upper class guy is trying to get $100,000 more. everyone is after just a little more. When what we should be doing is trying to find contentment right where we are right now. The peace that the bible offers is not found in the pursuit of "a little bit more". No, it's found in discovering contentment in your present circumstance and situation.
Look at the truths the Bible tells us when it comes to money. Look at the wisdom the Bible is trying to impart to those of us that are blessed with money. But also look at some of the intense warnings it gives
1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
Those who love money will never have enough. How absurd to think that wealth brings true happiness!
Proverbs 23:4 (NIV)
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)
17Command 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.
18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
19In 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.
I challenge you to get off the run-away, never arriving, always filled with temptations train called the world's system to financial prosperity. Which tells it's riders that what they need is "a little bit more". And I invite you to board God's train that will take you to a place called financial contentment. If you'd like to learn more here's a good place to start
Dave Ramsey's - Financial peace University
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