KFLCC Kingdom Economics

F INANCIAL S ECURITY IN THE L AST D AYS

There is a warning for those who are prosperous with material goods. The Bible warns not to trust in uncertain riches (1 Tim. 6:17), and it warns against loving money (1 Tim. 6:10). We should understand that the more things you possess, the more cares of life you will encounter. Anyone who invests in the stock market and commodities knows that riches can be uncertain, because profits are based upon cycles and world events. The wealthier you become the more cares of life you will encounter (Luke 21:34). Multiple homes must be cared for; you will require more insurance to protect your belongings, and alarm systems to prevent break-ins and robberies. Property needs constant repairs. It will cost money when you have money! Someone I know is a close friend of one of America’s billionaires. This man appears confident in public, but spends much time worrying about losses that come through his investments. With great material and financial prosperity comes great responsibility. Paul understood the dangers of trusting in riches when he wrote: But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. I T IM . 6:9-10 (NKJV) The only way that a person with extreme wealth can break the back of greed and fear of economic loss is to give away a portion of their earnings and profits to charitable organizations, churches, ministries of their choice, and those organizations that are making an impact in the lives of others. Releasing a portion of your income (called tithe and offering in the Scripture) is a sure way to be a blessing to others, as well as to prevent a spirit of greed from controlling your life. Occasionally I speak to a gentleman who has been extremely successful during his lifetime, and one year brought in over fifty million dollars. He has even built schools and been a great help to the community and the state in which he lives. But through a series of unfortunate events, he lost much of what he had earned. I spoke to him recently and asked him about his future plans. He said, “You know, they can take my money and material goods because that stuff comes and goes; but they can’t take my faith in God!” He then grinned and said, “I have a gift to make money. When all of this is settled and over, I will simply

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