Warning: Creating default object from empty value in /home/newhope/public_html/components/com_sh404sef/shInit.php on line 37 God's economy; Contrary To The World's Principles | Wanted to Say
Greetings Family, I don't know about you, but each day I check my email, there is inevitably many "FW:" in my in-box. Sometimes I will get the same forward from a host of different people. Sorry folks, I hope this does not offend you, but if I get the same thing from more than one person, I delete the duplicates. The topics in these forwards can vary from funny, to friendly; tiresome to thought-provoking; patronizing to pathetic. If you are like me, there are certain people who send forwards that you are sure to open eagerly. I had just finished reading one such email regarding money when I wrote the following:
"Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest collects it for one who is kind to the poor." Proverbs 28:8
That's the way it works in God's economy. It runs absolutely contrary to the world's principles. "The one who gives to the poor will not be in need, but one who turns his eyes away will receive many curses." Prov. 28:27
In God's kingdom, the giver becomes the receiver.
The successful ones in the worldly economy teach that we must do whatever it takes to get ahead, even if it means stepping on some people on the way up.
So that means if you reverse the world's pattern, it shows a picture of God's heart - of what is really important to Him.
God says- Blessed are the poor in spirit, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. The world says- Never let them see you sweat.
God says- Blessed are those who mourn,(mourning over sin, the godly sorrow that produces repentance) because they will be comforted. The world says- No regrets- if it feels good, do it.
There are so many other examples in God's word that would fill pages and pages of text, but the principle is clear. Followers of Christ are called out from the world. We are in the world, but we are citizens of another place - a better place. We need to live that way. We need to love that way..living out the definition of love: you before me.
That is what I wanted to say. My prayer for you this week is that you would take the time look at your circumstances and the opportunities that surround you each day through the lens of your royal citizenship. Like the song says - "This world is not home, I'm only passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue." (Straight Path is familiar with this song Be a blessing this week.