ONE FAMILY PLAN
For the love of... Money!
"Contentment leads to victory of the spirit." (Hinduism, Tirukkural 180)
"Who are called rich? Those who are content with their own portion..." (Judaism, Tamid 32a)
"Those who are contented are not disappointed."
(Taoism, Tao Te Ching 44)
"Give in alms of wealth that you have lawfully earned... not worthless things which you yourselves would reluctantly accept." (Qur'an 2.267)
"There is a man who gives a charity and he conceals it so much so that his left hand does not know what his right hand spends." (Hadith of Bukhari)
"Enlightened beings are magnanimous givers, bestowing whatever they have with calmness, without regret, without hoping for reward, without seeking honor, without coveting material benefits, but only to rescue and safeguard all living beings."(Buddhism, Garland Sutra 21)
"When help is given by weighing the recipient's need and not the donor's reward, its goodness is greater than the sea." (Hinduism, Tirukkural 103)
"Fortunate are those who save others from the devastating curse of hunger, for they have thereby deposited their possessions in a well-guarded vault." (Hinduism, Tirukkural 226)
"The noble-minded cultivate in themselves the ability to unload other people's burdens." (Analects 14.42)
"Relieve people in distress as speedily as you must release a fish from a dry rill [lest he die]. Deliver people from danger as quickly as you must free a sparrow from a tight noose. Be compassionate to orphans and relieve widows. Respect the old and help the poor." (Taoism, Tract of the Quiet Way)
"God loves a cheerful giver." (II Cor 9:7)
"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. YOU CANNOT SERVE BOTH GOD AND MONEY." (Luke 16:13, NIV)
"KEEP YOUR LIFE FREE FROM THE LOVE OF MONEY, and be content with what you have." (Hebrews 13:5, RSV)
“FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY IS A ROOT OF ALL KINDS OF EVIL. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10, NIV)
[Job:] "If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, 'You are my security,' if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained... then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high." (Job 31:24-25,28, NIV)
“...GIVE ME NEITHER POVERTY NOR RICHES, BUT GIVE ME ONLY MY DAILY BREAD. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, "Who is the Lord?" Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:8-9, NIV)
“…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13, NIV)
“...Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:14)
Savings?
“DO NOT STORE UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES ON EARTH, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO.” (Matthew 6:19-21, NIV)
“And he told them this parable: ‘The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. TAKE LIFE EASY; EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY.’ BUT GOD SAID TO HIM, ‘YOU FOOL! THIS VERY NIGHT YOUR LIFE WILL BE DEMANDED FROM YOU. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself? This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.’” (Luke 12:15-21, NIV)
Lending
"And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. ‘But love your enemies, do good, and lend, HOPING FOR NOTHING IN RETURN; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.’” (Luke 6:34-35)
The Apostles… How did they live?
“We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! WE ARE WEAK, but you are strong! You are honored, WE ARE DISHONORED! To this very hour WE GO HUNGRY AND THIRSTY, WE ARE IN RAGS, WE ARE BRUTALLY TREATED, WE ARE HOMELESS. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become THE SCUM OF THE EARTH, THE GARBAGE OF THE WORLD…” (1 Corinthians 4:10-13)
“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I HAVE SUFFERED THE LOSS OF ALL THINGS, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8)
The Early Churches
“…you had compassion on me in my chains, and JOYFULLY ACCEPTED THE PLUNDERING OF YOUR GOODS, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.” (Hebrews 10:34-35)
“In the midst of a very severe trial, THEIR OVERFLOWING JOY AND THEIR EXTREME POVERTY welled up in rich generosity.” (2 Corinthians 8:2)
Jesus Christ
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
(2 Corinthians 8:9)
“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. THESE WOMEN WERE HELPING TO SUPPORT THEM OUT OF THEIR OWN MEANS.” (Luke 8:1-3, NIV)
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?’” (Luke 9:23-25, NIV)
“Then He also said to him who invited Him, ‘When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.’" (Luke 14:12-14)
Aren’t “Godly” people supposed to be successful and rich?
“…PEOPLE OF CORRUPT MIND, WHO HAVE BEEN ROBBED OF THE TRUTH AND WHO THINK THAT GODLINESS IS A MEANS TO FINANCIAL GAIN. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (1 Timothy 6:5-8)
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
When we pray, don’t we get what we ask for… like lots of money?
"And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, THAT THE FATHER MAY BE GLORIFIED IN THE SON.” (John 14:13)
Our prayers must bring glory to the Father:
"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. BY THIS MY FATHER IS GLORIFIED, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” (John 15:7-8)
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that IF WE ASK ANYTHING ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)
And look at this…
“Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘HOW HARD IT IS FOR THE RICH TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD!’” (Mark 10:21-23)
God must desire it difficult for us to enter into the Kingdom of God if He wants us all to be rich!
“HOW HARD IT IS FOR THE RICH TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD!” (Mark 10:23)
Competition
“Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; DO NOT FRET BECAUSE OF HIM WHO PROSPERS in his way... Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many wicked.” (Psalms 37:7,16, NAS)
“Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. Though while he lived he counted himself blessed--and men praise you when you prosper--he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life.” (Psalms 49:16-19, NIV)
“But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth. This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal). For WHEREVER THERE IS JEALOUSY (ENVY) AND CONTENTION (RIVALRY AND SELFISH AMBITION), THERE WILL ALSO BE CONFUSION (UNREST, DISHARMONY, REBELLION) AND ALL SORTS OF EVIL AND VILE PRACTICES.” (James 3:14-16, Amplified)
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” (Proverbs 23:4-5, NIV)
The Lord does it ALL!
“The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.” (1 Samuel 2:7, NIV)
“And my GOD WILL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEEDS according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
“…THE LORD CAUSED ALL THAT HE DID TO PROSPER in his hand.” (Genesis 39:3)
“…Remember the Lord your God, for IT IS HE WHO GIVES YOU THE ABILITY TO PRODUCE WEALTH.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)
“…A MAN CAN RECEIVE NOTHING UNLESS IT HAS BEEN GIVEN HIM from heaven.” (John 3:27)
How are we to manage our money and possessions?
“All the believers joined together and shared everything in common; they sold their possessions and goods and divided the proceeds among the fellowship according to individual need.” (Acts 2:44-45)
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had... There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.” (Acts 4:32,34-35, NIV)
"Only the man who says goodbye to all his possessions can be my disciple." (Luke 14:33)
"Whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:33, RSV)
“John answered, ‘The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.’” (Luke 3:11, NIV) "GIVE TO EVERYONE WHO ASKS YOU, and do not ask for your property back from the man who robs you." (Luke 6:30, Jer)
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TRUSTWORTHY IN HANDLING WORLDLY WEALTH, WHO WILL TRUST YOU WITH TRUE RICHES?” (Luke 16:10-11, NIV)
The Vanity of it all
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them? The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep. I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost through some misfortune... Naked a man comes from his mothers womb, and as he comes, so he departs...” (Ecc 5:10-15, NIV)
“Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death... Whoever trusts in his riches will fall...” (Proverbs 11:4,28)
Playing God… “…Thus says the Lord God, 'Because your heart is lifted up and you have said, 'I am a God...' yet you are a man and not God, although you make your heart like the heart of God... You have acquired riches for yourself... and your heart is lifted up because of your riches--Therefore, behold, I will bring strangers upon you... and they will draw their swords... and defile your splendor... and you will die... Will you still say, 'I am a god,' in the presence of your slayer, although you are a man and not God, in the hands of those who wound you?'" (Ezekiel 28:2-10, NAS)
God for profit…
“...Never at any time have our speeches been simply flattery or a cover for trying to get money.” (1 Thessalonians 2:5, Jer)
“Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit.” (2 Corinthians 2:17, NIV)
“…people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” (1 Timothy 6:5)
“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But IF WE HAVE FOOD AND CLOTHING, WE WILL BE CONTENT WITH THAT. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” (1 Timothy 6:6-9, NIV)
What is the measure of your success?
“IT IS RIGHT FOR THE POOR BROTHER TO BE PROUD OF HIS HIGH RANK, and the rich one to be thankful that he has been humbled, because riches last no longer than the flowers in the grass; the scorching sun comes up, and the grass withers, the flower falls; what looked so beautiful now disappears. It is the same with the rich man: his business goes on; he himself perishes.” (James 1:9-11, Jer)
The Risks...
“Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.” (Mark 4:18-19) “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.” (Luke 8:14, NIV)
"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self?" (Luke 9:25, NIV)
“Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have become kings--and that without us! How I wish you really had become kings so that we might be kings with you!.. We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless... Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world. I AM NOT WRITING THIS TO SHAME YOU, BUT TO WARN YOU, as my dear children... I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with punishment, or in love and with a gentle spirit?” (1 Corinthians 4:8-21, NIV)
“Now listen, you rich people, WEEP AND WAIL BECAUSE OF THE MISERY THAT IS COMING ON YOU. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. YOU HAVE FATTENED YOURSELVES IN THE DAY OF SLAUGHTER.” (James 5:1-5, NIV)
“Like cages full of birds, their houses are full of deceit; they have become rich and powerful and have grown fat and sleek. Their evil deeds have no limit; they do not seek justice. They do not promote the case of the fatherless; they do not defend the just cause of the poor. Should I not punish them for this?” … (Jeremiah 5:27-29, NIV)
“But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. THOSE WHO WANT TO GET RICH FALL INTO TEMPTATION AND A TRAP AND INTO MANY FOOLISH AND HARMFUL DESIRES THAT PLUNGE PEOPLE INTO RUIN AND DESTRUCTION. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:8-10, NIV)
Treasures of the heart… “And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. ‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’” (Luke 12:29-34, NIV)
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19, NIV)
“Thus says the Lord, ‘Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom... let not a rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this, that he understands and knows Me... ‘" (Jeremiah 9:23-24, NAS)
Love is… “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:16-18, NIV)
Entrusted…
"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:47-48)
Truth of the quest…
“The faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 28:20)
“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.” (Revelation 3:17-19)
Be diligent!
“The THOUGHTS OF THE DILIGENT TEND ONLY TO PLENTY…”
“…but THE THOUGHTS OF EVERYONE WHO IS HASTY ONLY TO POVERTY.” (Prov 21:5)
“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but HE WHO MAKES HASTE TO BE RICH WILL NOT GO UNPUNISHED.” (Proverbs 28:20)
“Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but THE HAND OF THE DILIGENT MAKES RICH.” (Proverbs 10:4)
“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but THE SOUL OF THE DILIGENT IS MADE FAT.” (Proverbs 13:4)
“THE HAND OF THE DILIGENT WILL RULE, but the slack hand will be put to forced labor.” (Proverbs 12:24)
“…he who gives, with liberality; HE WHO LEADS, WITH DILIGENCE; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:8)
Wisdom, Understanding, and Knowledge:
“THROUGH WISDOM A HOUSE IS BUILT, and BY UNDERSTANDING IT IS ESTABLISHED; and BY KNOWLEDGE THE ROOMS SHALL BE FILLED with all precious and pleasant riches.” (Prov 24:3-4)
We plan ahead:
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he may have enough to finish it; lest perhaps, after he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish, all those seeing begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build and was not able to finish.” (Luke 14:28-30)
“A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t, and even brags about it!” (Proverbs 13:16)
“Prepare your work outside and make it ready for yourself in the field; afterwards, then, build your house.” (Proverbs 24:27)
“Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT MISFORTUNE MAY OCCUR ON THE EARTH.” (Ecclesiastes 11:2)
Don’t be wasteful:
“...Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.” (John 6:12)
Work hard!
“Whatever your hand finds to do, DO IT WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
“Whatever you do, DO YOUR WORK HEARTILY, AS FOR THE LORD rather than for men…” (Colossians 3:23)
“For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how WORKING NIGHT AND DAY SO AS NOT TO BE A BURDEN to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.” (1 Thessalonians 2:9)
“…the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him.” (Proverbs 12:14)
“In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” (Proverbs 14:23)
“He also who is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys.” (Proverbs 18:9)
“He who tills his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty.” (Proverbs 28:19)
Pay your debts!
“Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, ‘Go, sell the oil and PAY YOUR DEBT, and you and your sons can live on the rest.’” (2 Kings 4:7)
“THE WICKED BORROWS AND DOES NOT PAY BACK, but the righteous is gracious and gives.” (Psalm 37:21)
“THE RICH RULES OVER THE POOR, AND THE BORROWER BECOMES THE LENDER’S SLAVE.” (Proverbs 22:7)
Owe NOTHING but LOVE:
“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another…” (Romans 13:8)
We are to have NO security for debts:
“Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.” (Proverbs 22:26-27)
“It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.” (Ecclesiastes 5:5)
Giving…
“…It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which HE HAS GIVEN YOU.” (Deuteronomy 16:17)
“…the righteous gives and does not hold back.” (Proverbs 21:26)
“He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.” (Proverbs 28:27)
Give in secret:
“But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:3-4)
Give to EVERYONE who asks:
“Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.” (Luke 6:30)
As we give so it shall be given to us:
“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For BY YOUR STANDARD OF MEASURE IT WILL BE MEASURED TO YOU in return.” (Luke 6:38)
“Now this I say, HE WHO SOWS SPARINGLY WILL ALSO REAP SPARINGLY, AND HE WHO SOWS BOUNTIFULLY WILL ALSO REAP BOUNTIFULLY. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
