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Financial Security in an Unstable World – Week 10 / March 2nd
There is no doubt that the financial underpinnings of nations and banking institutions are weak and failing. Much of this is caused by greed and reckless fiscal policy by politicians the world over. To attract votes and thus to secure power irresponsible leaders have promised the electorate things that nations and financial institutions have no money to pay for. The crash of 2008 was birthed out of this reality and just eight years later the exact same scenario is shaping up again. Bernie Sanders, the hopeful democratic nominee and self-confessed socialist/communist, is promising Americans all sorts of “freebies” that the already bankrupt republic definitely cannot pay for; but the people love it so!
Paul on the other hand knew that we can rise above all this uncertainty, financially speaking, if we dare to employ the principles of God’s economy by Jesus Christ. Every Christian should embrace this strategy and now more than ever as we see the economic chaos of our world. This heavenly plan is set forth in Paul’s second letter to the Church at Corinth. It is simple, straight forward and predictable and it will place those who follow it in a place of financial freedom dictated by God and not man. Does this sound good? It sure does and so let’s examine it.
The Principle
“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also
reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will
also reap bountifully.”
2 Corinthians 9:6
Christians need to be generous in their giving and thus ensure that they always err on the side of abundance. To give generously does not require money but rather faith. Even if we have a little financial strength we can still be generous. In fact God particularly sees this and responds to it. Jesus observed the woman in the Temple give God everything she had, which was not a lot, but it was her everything and so He responded immediately (Mark 12:41-44). By this action, borne out of her love for God, she put herself into God’s miracle economy. God’s promise is sure; if we sow bountifully we will “also reap bountifully.” Please note that we do not give to get back; no we give because we love Jesus and His kingdom and He who knows our hearts will respond by caring for us. This is His promise!
The Plan
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart,
not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a
cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7
Jesus wants you to respond in your heart to His plan for financial freedom. That is, you must “purpose in your heart” what the level of your generosity will be. So here God expects us to be measured and responsible but also generous. Once we have set this plan in motion we can be filled with joy as we give and God just loves this. What a freedom this brings to us because we know by it that we are expanding God’s work, reflecting His character and enjoying His approval. Those who embrace this plan will live above the world financial system. When Jesus was asked about His commitment to the world system of taxation He called it for what it was; ruler exacting leverage over ruler and these in turn over the people. Nevertheless, Jesus paid His taxes but got the money to do so from a fish’s mouth (Matthew 17:24-27)! The lesson was clear; God’s children have supernatural resources at their disposal! Have you got the plan?
The Provision
“And God is able to make all grace abound towards you,
that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have
an abundance for every good work. As it is written:
“He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness remains forever,”
2 Corinthians 9:8-9
What a remarkable passage this is as it promises that we will always have sufficiency in all things; meaning that our general living expenses will always be covered. Moreover, we will also have enough financial resources to spread abroad and thereby give help to God’s kingdom and people. All of this comes out of the plan above.
So then, the harvest we reap will be financial and spiritual. Financially we will have an abundance and spiritually we will grow in righteousness. The former because we determine to handle money God’s way and the latter because we do God’s will on the earth. In all honesty Jesus is more interested in the latter because He wants you and me to grow into the likeness of His character. This is called righteousness. No wonder then, after setting out this supernatural financial plan Paul concludes with a eulogy:
“Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and
bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you
have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
while you are enriched in everything for all liberality
which causes thanksgiving through us to God.”
2 Corinthians 8:10-11
Malcolm Hedding
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