"A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish."
Psalm 49:20
I have made a challenge to myself. Every time I hand money to someone, swipe a card, or write a check, I am going to say out loud "this is Gods money". Every time I receive money, I am going to do likewise. Why? Because this is the truth and I along with everyone else need to hear it. This is the "understanding" that Psalm 49:20 is talking about.
Gaining wealth for any purpose other than advancing Gods Kingdom is really a waste of time. And time is very short. Jesus told a parable about a farmer who had a bumper crop. His farm produced so well that he had no place to store his extra grain. So, he decided to tear down his barns and build larger ones. He said to himself "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.
Then God said to the man, "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?"
The next thing Jesus says sums it up perfectly. "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:21)
The man in Jesus' story was "like the beasts that perish". He was only conscious of himself, and his needs, and with his death, his legacy ended.
When we gain wealth, large or small, what do we say to ourselves? Are we like the rich fool, like an animal thinking only of "number ONE - ourselves"? Or, are we saying our loud, "this is God's money!"
So how can we be "rich toward God"? Notice that in Luke's account, Jesus does not condemn the man for saving money. The issue and problem occurs when we do not give back to Him.
A common question is "how much?" I believe that questions must be asked about our money, our time, and indeed 'everything'. Ask yourself these questions: How can I be a blessing today? What are ways that I can enrich other people's lives? Where can I give? What can I do today for God's kingdom? How can I have better understanding regarding my riches, rather than being like a beast that perishes?
A common mistake is when people think "I don't have any money, so I will give of my time". I used to think this way, but now it is clear to me that avoiding giving money is a thought that comes from fear - fear that God will not provide for my needs. But I was wrong - that thought is not only wrong, it is a lie that too many fall for.
Rather, we know that He faithfully always has and always will provide for our every need. There's the understanding the Psalmist is talking about. Let us strive to understand more completely and be more rich toward God!
Believe in Gods promises. Give joyfully and see the favor that the Lord will add to your life.
The only place that a person can gain true understanding is from the Word of God, the Bible. I encourage you to read it daily, and ask God to give you understanding. He Will.
Psalm 49:20
I have made a challenge to myself. Every time I hand money to someone, swipe a card, or write a check, I am going to say out loud "this is Gods money". Every time I receive money, I am going to do likewise. Why? Because this is the truth and I along with everyone else need to hear it. This is the "understanding" that Psalm 49:20 is talking about.
Gaining wealth for any purpose other than advancing Gods Kingdom is really a waste of time. And time is very short. Jesus told a parable about a farmer who had a bumper crop. His farm produced so well that he had no place to store his extra grain. So, he decided to tear down his barns and build larger ones. He said to himself "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.
Then God said to the man, "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?"
The next thing Jesus says sums it up perfectly. "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:21)
The man in Jesus' story was "like the beasts that perish". He was only conscious of himself, and his needs, and with his death, his legacy ended.
When we gain wealth, large or small, what do we say to ourselves? Are we like the rich fool, like an animal thinking only of "number ONE - ourselves"? Or, are we saying our loud, "this is God's money!"
So how can we be "rich toward God"? Notice that in Luke's account, Jesus does not condemn the man for saving money. The issue and problem occurs when we do not give back to Him.
A common question is "how much?" I believe that questions must be asked about our money, our time, and indeed 'everything'. Ask yourself these questions: How can I be a blessing today? What are ways that I can enrich other people's lives? Where can I give? What can I do today for God's kingdom? How can I have better understanding regarding my riches, rather than being like a beast that perishes?
A common mistake is when people think "I don't have any money, so I will give of my time". I used to think this way, but now it is clear to me that avoiding giving money is a thought that comes from fear - fear that God will not provide for my needs. But I was wrong - that thought is not only wrong, it is a lie that too many fall for.
Rather, we know that He faithfully always has and always will provide for our every need. There's the understanding the Psalmist is talking about. Let us strive to understand more completely and be more rich toward God!
Believe in Gods promises. Give joyfully and see the favor that the Lord will add to your life.
The only place that a person can gain true understanding is from the Word of God, the Bible. I encourage you to read it daily, and ask God to give you understanding. He Will.
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