Posted on 08/02/2021 6:36:39 AM PDT by metmom
“But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8).
Believers should not have a self-centered preoccupation with money.
With all the attention modern society gives to money, what it can buy, and the dividends it can earn, Christians are continually challenged to view it properly. But Scripture provides us with much help and guidance in this area. It is replete with warnings and admonitions about how we are to act and think concerning money and wealth.
There are at least eight basic, biblical guidelines that when believed and followed will give us a God-centered view of money. First, having money in itself is not wrong (1 Sam. 2:7). Second, we ought to recognize that money is a gift from God and comes to us through His providence (Deut. 8:11-18). Third, we must be willing to lose our money, if that’s God’s will for us. Job said, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (1:21). Fourth, we must not be partial toward those who have lots of money (James 2:1-10). Fifth, we must not arrogantly seek security from money (Prov. 11:28; 1 Tim. 6:17). Sixth, money-making pursuits should never be our highest priorities in life (Matt. 6:33). Seventh, we ought to use money for eternal purposes, namely, leading others to the Lord (Luke 16:9). Finally, we must not selfishly hoard or foolishly spend money. On the contrary, true generosity should characterize every believer (Prov. 11:24-25; Luke 6:38).
Just like a firearm, money can be used for good purposes and evil purposes, which means there is nothing inherently wrong with it. Therefore, the real issue does not concern money itself, but what our attitude is toward it. The Lord wants us to view money as He did and be content with what we have.
Suggestions for Prayer
Confess your sinful attitude in one or more of the eight areas mentioned today. Pray that God would replace those sinful attitudes toward money with His righteous attitudes.
For Further Study
Read Deuteronomy 8:11-18.
What divine favors does God remind the Israelites of? What sin is sure to befall any believer who forgets that God is the One who makes wealth possible?
Studying God’s Word ping
Kind of funny coming from a man who makes nearly half a million dollars a year, owns three luxury homes estimated to be worth millions, and presides over a religious empire with over a $100 million in assets.
For more on MacArthur and his reprehensible lifestyle, see:
https://julieroys.com/prosperous-lifestyle-americas-anti-prosperity-gospel-preacher/
The question really is this
If you had $1 billion what would you do with it?
“Kind of funny coming from a man who makes nearly half a million dollars a year, owns three luxury homes estimated to be worth millions, and presides over a religious empire with over a $100 million in assets. For more on MacArthur and his reprehensible lifestyle, see...”
LOL. The page you linked to has multiple appeals for financial contributions: https://julieroys.com/donate
Also from the site, “Julie Roys is a veteran investigative reporter who worked as a TV reporter for a CBS affiliate...”
Nothing on the site gives me the impression of supporting conservative values or traditional Christian doctrine. Seems preoccupied with grievances against male-dominated Christian organizations.
Personally, I’m more concerned with whether what MacArthur said is right than scrutinizing his personal life, since I don’t know him personally, nor am I contributing to him financially.
Also, what is being described as a “reprehensible lifestyle” is the kind of lifestyle most conservatives would like to achieve through hard work. It’s part of the American dream even if it might be considered extravagant to some Christians. But keep in mind that, by the world’s average standard of living, even poor Americans (including most who identify as Christian) live lives of extravagant luxury. Very few of us feel guilty for spending $5 or more for a cup of coffee, while many of our fellow Christians in the world are surviving on less than this per day.
I have learned from experience that you can't out-give God. In fact, He challenged the Israelites:
The principle is not changed that when we trust God to provide all our needs and we cheerfully give as He leads us to, we will not be forsaken. It may not be returned in money but we will blessed beyond our imagining.
Like you said, unlearner, I look at what a person teaches and whether or not it is Biblically viable. What he says in this article is sound and I have no doubt he practices what he preaches.
Really?
We DEFINITELY need to remove that pesky Solomon fella, and his writings, from our bibles!
bingo
Why is it reprehensible?
Because you don’t have it, too?
Class envy?
“Like you said, unlearner, I look at what a person teaches and whether or not it is Biblically viable. What he says in this article is sound and I have no doubt he practices what he preaches.”
True. And another thing about MacArthur is that he openly defied the state of California by keeping church services open and said he’d be happy to go to jail if necessary.
That does not sound like a man trying to fleece the flock in order to live the high life.
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