Being Rich in GodНамуна

What if God blesses you?

“Honour the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops ; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10).

Serving God and wealth are not mutually exclusive. In Proverbs 3:9-10, God even promises wealth to the one who honours Him with his or her possessions. And don't we come across plenty of examples of rich believers in the Bible? Abraham was extremely rich (Genesis 24:35) and he was so because of God's blessing. The same happened to his son Isaac (Genesis 26:12). And don't forget Job: he was God-fearing as well as wealthy (Job 1:1-3).

In Luke 8:2-3, we read about women serving Jesus with their possessions.

This seems to contradict what Jesus said about possessions (Matthew 6:19-20). For everyone, therefore, whether rich or poor, it is good to ask the following questions:

• How do I view my possessions? Do I see them as from my own merit, or as a blessing from God?
• How do I handle my possessions? Is what I have just for myself, or do I invite others to share in it?
• Do I honour God with what I have, not with what is left at the end of the month but with the first of my income (1 Corinthians 16:2)?

Psalm 62:10 warns, "If riches increase, do not set your heart on them”. Live with an open hand, ready to share (2 Corinthians 9:7). In this way, you remain master of your possessions, instead of possessions controlling you.

How do you view your possessions - whether little or much?