KFLCC Kingdom Economics

F INANCIAL S ECURITY IN THE L AST D AYS

must be rich. Yet, one of the wealthiest men in America dressed in overalls and drove a thirty-year-old pickup truck. Most multi-millionaires drive cars that are at least six years old. Seeing a man in denim overalls driving an old pickup truck would cause some to suggest that the fellow is poor and doesn’t have much money. Yet in reality, this man owned hundreds of major stores across America. Prosperity to some is based upon a perception of the value of the things we own, and this is exactly the opposite of what Christ taught: And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” L UKE 12:15 (NKJV) When considering Christians in a poverty stricken nation, the poverty is not the fault of the Christians, but is often linked to areas bound by dictators and criminals, as well as the worship of false gods. In many countries, the entire nation follows a false god or gods and their beliefs are filled with the occult and superstition, which opens the door to poverty, evil spirits and physical sickness. Having been to Africa several times, I observed the financial corruption among the government leaders. One ministry sent two million dollars to Africa to build a hospital, and a government leader in the nation stole the money and bought a personal business. He paid off lawyers to prevent the ministry from suing him. This happened twice in the same country! Goods and money sent for the poor are often stolen by corrupt government officials, or by people working at the ports, airports and banks. We once sent a large generator to Haiti and the church never received it because it was stolen by a government official and was never recovered. At times huge shipments of food never make to the needy. This is why you should know the people on the ground in these areas before supporting them. God’s Word even says that He cannot bless and prosper any nation that is corrupt, or worships idols, or bows before gods of wood, hay and stone. It is the adversary, not God, who motivates corrupt and evil men to pad their pockets while their own people suffer. In the time of Saul, the first king of Israel became spiritually rebellious and his unwise decisions caused the people in his kingdom to be in debt, distressed and discontented (1 Sam. 22:2). Biblical prosperity, or having an abundance to see your needs met, is not a blank check for anyone who wants to cash it. It is a heavenly promise that is tapped into by the righteous who follow God’s Word in life and conduct. When people live in this manner, they are blessed according to His (Christ’s) riches in

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