should we avoid being rich and wealthy?

[JLB]

Well, good then! I do think you're a likable bunch. I've never really had much problem voicing my opinions. ;)

As long as your opinions have some scripture, then we can all be enriched.


JLB

 

[Danus]

After some series of conversations with some friends some of them are of the opinion that they don't want to be rich...or in fact very rich. It is as if it is a crime against GOD to be rich.

I used to want to be rich. I found it was not worth the trouble. Now I just focus on being blessed, and content with what God has allowed me. Much more peaceful, but I still work in a world where wealth building is part of my job. It's always more more more. The more I make for my company the more I get paid & the higher they set my goals. I'm just not motivated by money anymore, so when I think I've made them enough I start to slow down.

 

[His_nee (Jeff)]

People often ask for Scripture and think that because they do what they think is right they have life, but they don't listen to Jesus. [off topic reba]

 

[Classik]

I used to want to be rich. I found it was not worth the trouble. Now I just focus on being blessed, and content with what God has allowed me. Much more peaceful, but I still work in a world where wealth building is part of my job. It's always more more more. The more I make for my company the more I get paid & the higher they set my goals. I'm just not motivated by money anymore, so when I think I've made them enough I start to slow down.

I will have a problem getting poor. I need more money. The money is not mine: it is people's. I need very little while the rest is for HIS work.

 

[Kathi]

I will have a problem getting poor. I need more money. The money is not mine: it is people's. I need very little while the rest is for HIS work.

God gives us what we need.Not neccesarily what we want.If we were to ask for food to sustain us we very likely would get that but if we asked for a new mercedes :erm

 

[His_nee (Jeff)]

Here's a short list (at the link) of about 57 verses to illustrate Yhwh's Will concerning this >>>
(and some comments by known and faithful teachers of Yhwh's Will and Purpose and the Gospel of Jesus)

http://www.acts17-11.com/money.html

A.W. Tozer: "Never Own Anything--Get Rid Of The Sense Of Possessing!"

God is calling all of us to let go of our possessions. We may even get to use them in the future if we "loosen our grip". If we do not do this willingly ourselves, God will. It is a sure sign that we are sons. We should thank the Lord when He wrenches a dangerous thing from our hands. Maybe we could even cooperate a little! If we don't, moths, rust, and thieves will do their job.

 

[Kathi]

Here's a short list (at the link) of about 57 verses to illustrate Yhwh's Will concerning this >>>
(and some comments by known and faithful teachers of Yhwh's Will and Purpose and the Gospel of Jesus)

http://www.acts17-11.com/money.html

A.W. Tozer: "Never Own Anything--Get Rid Of The Sense Of Possessing!"

God is calling all of us to let go of our possessions. We may even get to use them in the future if we "loosen our grip". If we do not do this willingly ourselves, God will. It is a sure sign that we are sons. We should thank the Lord when He wrenches a dangerous thing from our hands. Maybe we could even cooperate a little! If we don't, moths, rust, and thieves will do their job.

Can you imagine how the starving in the under privileged countries could be helped if everyone who was able liquidated the stuff they don't need.And that would be keeping only their neccessities, a list of things alot of people probably would not give up.

 

[His_nee (Jeff)]

Can you imagine how the starving in the under privileged countries could be helped if everyone who was able liquidated the stuff they don't need.And that would be keeping only their neccessities, a list of things alot of people probably would not give up. ..........

Yes, I don't have to imagine it, I see it every day. (not just in so-called 3rd world countries, but right here in the untied states).
But, today, there is an even greater more devastating FAMINE. the FAMINE of the hearing of the Word of Yhwh.(as it is written in Scripture) .... .... .... ....

1. Amos 8:11
   Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord God, when I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but [a famine] for hearing the words of the Lord.
   Amos 8:10-12 (in Context) Amos 8 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

 

[Kathi]

Yes, I don't have to imagine it, I see it every day. (not just in so-called 3rd world countries, but right here in the untied states).
But, today, there is an even greater more devastating FAMINE. the FAMINE of the hearing of the Word of Yhwh.(as it is written in Scripture) .... .... .... ....

1. Amos 8:11
   Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord God, when I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but [a famine] for hearing the words of the Lord.
   Amos 8:10-12 (in Context) Amos 8 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Yes,you are right about that.

 

[His_nee (Jeff)]

So, if a person or poster or member in our congregation is not able to hear the Word of Yhwh, what is there that we or anyone can do for them ? (btw, the most (worldly) popular such was censored) (he never ever repented to get healed or saved(after he was clearly and specifically chastised and warned by men of Yhwh in 1947 to 1949, online documents since deleted or censored by the world government), yet he continually tricked millions until the last few years with his eloquent speeches and false doctrines)

 

[Kathi]

So, if a person or poster or member in our congregation is not able to hear the Word of Yhwh, what is there that we or anyone can do for them ? (btw, the most (worldly) popular such was censored) (he never ever repented to get healed or saved(after he was clearly and specifically chastised and warned by men of Yhwh in 1947 to 1949, online documents since deleted or censored by the world government), yet he continually tricked millions until the last few years with his eloquent speeches and false doctrines)

Why would they not be able to hear or read of God?

 

[His_nee (Jeff)]

1. Amos 8:11
Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord God, when I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but [a famine] for hearing the words of the Lord.
Amos 8:10-12 (in Context) Amos 8 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

that's one

sin unrepented of in their life.

that's two

wanting their ears tickled.

that's three

choked out by the cares of this world.

that's four (although almost could be with 'two' above)

idolatry active in their life.

that's five (also could be with 'two' above)

 

[KevinK]

As long as your opinions have some scripture, then we can all be enriched.


JLB

I seem to be about the only one in this thread who is reading the actual scripture.

 

[JLB]

I seem to be about the only one in this thread who is reading the actual scripture.

Ok share the scripture you are referring to and how it pertains to the OP.


JLB

 

[Edward]

I used to want to be rich. I found it was not worth the trouble. Now I just focus on being blessed, and content with what God has allowed me. Much more peaceful, but I still work in a world where wealth building is part of my job. It's always more more more. The more I make for my company the more I get paid & the higher they set my goals. I'm just not motivated by money anymore, so when I think I've made them enough I start to slow down.

I have found this to be true also. I also used to want to be rice, but no longer. Money corrupts, and also, rich people have just as many financial troubles as the poor, only they are of a different nature. They have more irons in the fire.

I have heard it said that anyone can be poor, but one has to learn to be rich. This makes sense. How many stories have we heard that someone won the lotto, and were broke and worse off in a year or two than they were before?

 

[His_nee (Jeff)]

I seem to be about the only one in this thread who is reading the actual scripture.

?? and I think this qualifies >> (from an earlier post) >>
James 1:9-11 (Phi) The brother who is in need may be proud because God has raised him to the true riches. The rich may be proud that God has shown him his spiritual poverty... Just as surely will the rich man and his ways fall into the blight of decay.



The Risks Of Wealth...
Mark 4:18-19 (Phi) "Then there are the seeds which were sown among the thorn bushes. These are the people who hear the message, but the worries of this world and the false glamour of riches and all sorts of other ambitions creep in and choke the life out of what they have heard, and it produces no crop in their lives."

Luke 8:14 (Phi) "And the seed sown among the thorns represents the people who hear the message and go on their way, and with the worries and riches and pleasures of living, the life is choked out of them, and in the end they produce nothing."

Luke 9:25 (NIV) "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self?"



The Prosperity "Fat Cats" Bite The Dust...

• Many of us have been fervently praying that God would turn the church upside down and vigorously shake it (Heb 12:25-29). When this happens, those who love money and have lost their grip on the truth will be the first to fall.

1 Cor 4:8-21 (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?
James 5:1-3,5 (TEB) And now, you rich people [see James 2:2-7], listen to me! Weep and wail over the miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches have rotted away, and your clothes have been eaten by moths. Your gold and silver are covered with rust, and this rust will be a witness against you, and eat up your flesh like fire. You have piled up riches in these last days... Your life here on earth has been full of luxury and pleasure. You have made yourselves fat for the day of slaughter.

Jer 5:27-29 (NIV) ..."They have become rich and powerful and have grown fat and sleek... they do not plead the case of the fatherless to win it, they do not defend the rights of the poor. Should I not punish them for this?" declares the Lord.



Advice on Security Investing
1 Tim 6:17-19 (Phi) Tell those who are rich in this present world not to be contemptuous of others, and not to rest the weight of their confidence on the transitory power of wealth but on the living God, who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. Tell them to do good, to be rich in kindly actions, to be ready to give to others and to sympathize with those in distress. Their security should be invested in the life to come, so that they may be sure of holding a share in the life which is real and permanent.

Luke 12:29-34 (Phi) "You must not set your heart on what you eat or drink, nor must you live in a state of anxiety. The whole heathen world is busy about getting food and drink, and your Father knows well enough that you need such things. No, set your heart on his kingdom, and your food and drink will come as a matter of course... Sell your possessions and give the money away to those in need. Get yourselves purses that never grow old, inexhaustible treasure in Heaven, where no thief can ever reach it, or moth destroy it. For where your treasure is, you may be certain that your heart will be there too!"

1 Tim 6:8-10 (Phi) Surely then, as far as physical things are concerned, it is sufficient for us to keep our bodies fed and clothed. For men who set their hearts on being wealthy expose themselves to temptation. They fall into a trap and lay themselves open to all sorts of silly and wicked desires, which are quite capable of utterly ruining and destroying their souls. For loving money leads to all kinds of evil, and some men in the struggle to be rich have lost their faith and caused themselves untold agonies of mind.

Jer 9:23-24 (NAS) 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... "



Now You Know...
1 Jn 3:16-18 (Phi) We know what love is because Christ laid down his life for us. We must in turn lay down our lives for our brothers. But as for the well-to-do man who sees his brother in want but shuts his heart against him, how could anyone believe that the love of God lives in him? My Children, let us love not merely in theory or in words--let us love in sincerity and in practice! (2 Cor 8:9)

Luke 12:47-48 (NIV) "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."

Prov 28:20 (NIV) The faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

Rev 3:17-19 (Phi) [Jesus] "While you say, 'I am rich, I have prospered, and there is nothing that I need,' you have no eyes to see that you are wretched, pitiable, poverty-stricken, blind and naked. My advice to you is to buy from me that gold which is refined in the furnace so that you may be rich, and white garments to wear so that you may hide the shame of your nakedness, and salve to put on your eyes to make you see. All those whom I love I correct and discipline. Therefore, shake off your complacency and repent."

 

[KevinK]

Ok share the scripture you are referring to and how it pertains to the OP.


JLB

See posts #17 and #34.

 

[Kathi]

I seem to be about the only one in this thread who is reading the actual scripture.

What do you mean by "reading the actual Scripture"? Your interpretation on Larzarus and the Rich man really threw me.

 

[KevinK]

What do you mean by "reading the actual Scripture"? Your interpretation on Larzarus and the Rich man really threw me.

You really don't know?

 

[Kathi]

You really don't know?

Please share.