At some point during life's journey you and I took a wrong turn. Some where along the way we became no longer content with the simple things in life; Some where along the way someone lied to us and told us that God wanted us to be rich. At some point we saw, with our natural eyes, other people with nice or even great material possessions and decided that we wanted such things for ourselves -not even always for our family or children; But for ourselves.
The bible says in Exodus 20:17 (by the way, this is where the 10 commandments are listed) that we should not covet our neighbor's possessions. But some where along life's journey we decided that we wanted what our neighbor's lifestyle. Also know that your neighbor is not just the person or family next to you: every man and woman in the world is our neighbor.
Whether we realize it or not, sometimes that noble and good desire to aspire and achieve can lead us, over time, to covet our neighbor's possessions. That once nice, passing desire has now turned into lust. Generally, we often confuse lust with passion. Please read my previous journal posting titled "God's best for you" where I break down lust and lusting. In any event, this passion can quickly become lust as our desire for things or a thing [or person] intensifies.
Our intensity and lust, we mistakenly believe, represents our "focus". We are "focused" nowadays and don't have time for bible study, mentoring, family activities, etc. We are so "focused" that we have moved away from the very being that has all power in His hands and is able to do more that we could ever imagine or think if we put Him first in our lives. Remember, seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness (stop acting un-Christian) and all these things [house, clothes, food, money, transportation] will be added unto you.
Turn your desire and focus for material gain into a strong yearning for God's presence in your life. He is able to do what you now believe is seemingly impossible despite what the enemy and some of your friends and associates have told you. Turn to God for He alone can and will supply all your need as He has promised to in His word. Be patient and be humble; For the bible says in due season you will reap if you faint not. The bible also says that God has a chosen time to exalt you so don't spend anymore time exalting yourself.
Impress God; read your bible and turn from sin. Again, enjoy life's simple pleasures. Know that it is OK to be yourself. It is OK to say, "I can't do or buy that." It's OK to have to "pinch pennies" and sometimes sacrifice or do without some things (i.e. a new car, new clothes, hair cut every week, etc.) Are you not more than your clothes, cars, and hair? Is God not able to provide you with these measly material things?
Stop looking at your neighbor and look at God. Rest in Him. Love yourself and your family. Take time to read your bible each day or at least 3-5 times a week as it is what will get you through the daily grind. Your day is coming. Wait on it. This time, do not go wrong for now you know what to do. Your key to success is your relationship with God. Make it happen today and tomorrow too. I love you and so does our God! He is worthy of our praise. Praise God!
2 comments:
I don't believe it is a 'lie' that God wants us to be prosperous. He does want that for His children. It has been promised if we trust in the Lord, do good, and delight ourselves in Him that He would give us the desires of your heart (paraphrased Psalms 37:3-4). The problem comes when we start to focus on the provision instead of Jehovah-jireh. As you stated, the Word of God is clear. If He provides for the sparrow and lilies of the field, why can't we believe that He will be faithful and true to our needs and that much more.
Building a sound financial house is not just about the accumulation of things, but of providing for your future and to accomplish the things that require finances to attain. Even the church takes in monies because to provide the services it provides it takes money. Learning how to handle and manage finances seems to cause many people to stumble.
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