The Legacy JourneySample

For Our Pleasure

I need to tell you something up front. If you do the stuff we’re talking about over a period of time, you’re going to build wealth. That’s not some magical prosperity theology promise. It’s what we clearly see in Scripture. The diligent prosper, and the faithful manager gets more to manage.

But the Bible is just as clear about something else. Money can be dangerous. It’s a powerful tool, and that’s exactly why God doesn’t give it to spiritual children. Wealth can be deceptive, so you’ve got to approach it with a mature attitude.

One big mistake people—including many Christians—make with money is confusing the Provider with the stuff He provides. See, money is just a method God uses to move us through Now, Then, Us and Them. It’s a tool. But we don’t worship the tool. We don’t worship the method. We worship the Provider.

In 1 Timothy 6:17, Paul wrote that God gives us material stuff to enjoy. From God’s perspective, wealth isn’t evil, and wealth doesn’t make people evil. That’s a lie our culture has spread, but it contradicts what the Bible says. God wants us to make the most of what He has given us. But we need to be careful.

Paul also said that we can’t trust in “uncertain riches.” We have this tendency in the human heart to worship idols. And when you’re spiritually immature, a pile of money can easily become an idol. But you can’t draw your value or security from wealth. It will disappoint you every time.

Martin Luther once said, “I have held many things in my hand, and I’ve lost them all; but whatever I’ve placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” In other words, never forget that God really owns it all. Strive to be a faithful manager of all He has given you. Enjoy nice stuff with God’s blessing—just make sure your nice stuff never owns you.