Dear Chris:
i. e. investing or gambling..
This would be a good topic for a book. I will start by saying that if you could take the time to browse all the posts on this thread the topic has been discussed several times.
Mat 4 : 8-9 Again the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them and saith unto him, all these things will I give thee if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
It all depends on what you worship, and God has placed in us all part of us that must worship, something or somebody.
There is nothing inherently sinful in investing. The very act is based upon wealth or perceived wealth or value. All wealth belongs to God and comes from the ground, gold, silver, timber, metal,human endeavor -- for we all will return to dust. Man is the greatest wealth of all, and how can one man own another?
Deut: 8:18 But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish His covenent which He sware unto thy fathers as it is this day.
People sit back and wait on God's blessings to fall out of the sky. He said He gives the power to get wealth. My definition of wealth may be vastly different from yours. The lust of the eye that satan tempted Christ with, the pride of life, the lust of the flesh, all have a lot of power over the souls of man. Be careful, be respectful, of them, they can steal, kill, and destroy.
Sadly, many christians, and I assume you are one , and I assume you invest, do not know the difference between investing and gambling. Investing, or if I could include this topic in a much broader topic of christian stewardship, is not a game, I repeat it is very serious in God's eyes. It is indicative of many individual characteristics and aspects of our christian lives.
For the same reason many people feel that the way they behave on the job has little bearing with how they will eventually determine their destiny.. I ask you, where do most people spend most of their time. ?
Be wise, do not be foolish. Look at the book of Nehemiah. A 12 % rate of interest being paid out will put you in financial bondage over time. Are you borrowing money to pay taxes?
So, the opposite in my way of thinking will also prevail. A 12% rate of return over time will show you have been a great steward, will put you into the realm of prosperity, will make you the head and not the tail.
Also watch those gates in Nehemiah. The water gate-- the flow of God's wisdom and grace.The fish gate-- be a fisher of men..The valley gate--don't always take the easiest pathway. The dung gate-- get rid of your excesses. The fountain gate--don't forget to exhibit to God your thankfulness for His blessings. One of my favorites- the horse gate--watch those expensive cars, high monthly car payments, debt city.
Hope you enjoy all the blessings of the Lord this year. In a major way your peace, and joy. That all your needs be met and a "few of your wants". That is always my prayer for myself...In Christ .gregor |
