You are called to be prosperous

Written By Mark Tan

Strangely enough, some people will be offended by the title of this post and/or the image I put up with it. Tall poppy syndrome? Jealousy? Naivety? Confusion? Who knows! But don’t be one of those! Proverbs 9 says that when a wise person receives instruction they become wiser still. Not so the fool. Choose your side!

I am not too sure where some Christians get the idea that we are supposed to be poor. Sorry but I can’t see that in the scriptures nor can I see that in the character of our King. Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Not too sure if it can get any clearer than that whanau!

Furthermore, as heirs to the promises of Abraham (Galatians 3 & 4), I’d recommend that you read through Genesis 12 and 17 and see for yourself what your inheritance is . . . and how you are supposed to be a blessing to others.

In addition to this, your spiritual health is tied to your financial wealth. Check out Luke 16:10-11 if you don’t believe me :) You must learn to master and manage your finances in order to receive a greater outpouring of the true riches that pertain to the Spirit of God.

To this end, we have begun our series on $$$ and being good stewards of all that the Lord has given us. Below are 10 key points on how you can start to accumulate and grow wealth. In essence they are Kingdom principles as opposed to gimmicks or ideas. There is a MASSIVE difference there - may he or she who has ears to hear hear what is being communicated!

So, let’s crack into it:

  • Be humble and teachable

    • Ego + Excuses = going nowhere fast

    • Ask.  He who isolates himself does so to his own destruction

  • Face reality

    • What is the amount of debt you owe right now?

    • Do you owe more now or when you were 17?

    • You have to know these figures and be aware of the state of your estate

    • “My choices have resulted in where I am today; I am responsible for my financial position”

  • Plan and think long term

    • Proverbs speaks about the ant that prepares

    • Jesus spoke about:

      • The wise man who built his house on the rock

      • The good stewards

      • Those who are faithful and true

    • Most things that give your short term pleasure are not good for you

  • Be faithful with the little  

    • Luke 16:10-12

      • 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? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?

    • Don’t fool yourself by saying that you will be more generous when you’re rich; start now

    • Work in percentages to remove the emotion and false, inherited or historic boundaries

  • Focus on being debt-free and developing an inheritance that lasts generations

    • God’s will is that you are prosperous

    • We are called to be fruitful and multiply

    • Envy will lead to poverty

    • A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children

  • Consider money as seed

    • It can either be eaten or sown

      • Eat to be gone with short term happiness

      • Sown to multiple and grow with eternal gain & long lasting joy

      • The greatest investment you can do with money is to invest in . . . YOU

        • Start to train, start to learn, seek wisdom and find it

  • Live below your means

    • 10% giving

      • Proverbs 11:25 says that “A generous man will prosper; that he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

      • Malachi 3 is clear on what happens when you tithe

      • As his heirs, Genesis 14 shows Abraham’s example

      • Deuteronomy 18 speaks on the blessings of obedience

    • 10% savings

      • Proverbs is loaded with examples and exhortation to save and be prepared

    • 10% debt/investment

      • Owe no man but to love him - Romans 13:8

      • Genesis 12 notes that Abraham was to be wealthy so as to bless others - hard to financially do so when you’re broke!

    • 70% living

      • You can do it . . . more than your current feelings are telling you

  • Review.  Often.  

    • Proverbs 4:26 says to consider the path ahead

    • Proverbs 14:15 says to carefully consider your ways

    • The world is changing; adjust the sails

  • Understand that feelings are fickle.  Facts nor feelings. 

    • Feelings have led to people being in debt

    • Feelings seek short term satisfaction; facts seek long term assurance

    • Feelings are like trends - they fade and come back but ultimately, they’re cringe-worthy

  • Differentiate between needs and wants

    • Needs are essential and should be gained

    • Wants are not essential and have a higher propensity to lead you into debt

    • Are the following NEEDS or WANTS?

      • Ice-cream

      • Boat

      • Car

      • Jacket

      • Vogels

      • Water

      • Dem lashes

      • Gumboots

      • Flour

      • Netflix

    • Food for thought aye!

So there’s a start whanau . . . we will be continuing our series on moving from financial survival to wealth next Sunday . . . let’s go!!!!!!

Mark Tan
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