THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT -DOES GOD BLESS US WITH RICHES?

It How God Blesses Us

Jesus taught his followers to have a healthy attitude toward money when he told them to "stop being anxious" about possessions.  He reasoned with them that not even Solomon in all his glory was dressed as well as the lilies of the field. Yet, Jesus said:  "If, now, God thus clothes the vegetation of the field, . . .will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith?"   Jesus assured Christians that if his followers would seek first the Kingdom and God's righteousness, the food, clothing, and shelter would be added to them.  (Matthew 6:25, 28-33) How is that promise fulfilled?

When followed, the Bible's counsel results especially in spiritual blessings.  (Proverbs 10:22) However, it brings other benefits.  For example, God's Word instructs Christians:  "Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do hard work." (Ephesians 4:28)  It also states that "the one working with a slack hand will be of little means, but the hand of the diligent one is what will make one rich." (Proverbs 10:4) Honest, hardworking Christians who follow this advice are often referred as employees.  This can be a blessing. 

The Bible also teaches Christians to avoid the greedy pastime of gambling, the defiling practice of smoking, and the debilitating habit of drunkenness.  ( 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10;2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 5:5.  Those who follow this advice find their expenditures reduce and their health improved. 

Next time: THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT -DOES GOD BLESS US WITH RICHES?/ More Valuable Than Silver or Gold

From the Awake! magazine