THE PARADOX OF PROSPERITY
This is one concept in a video series he released a few years back on what he calls Transferable Concepts, things that he can share in a 30, 45, or 60-minute speech.
And he shares these things over and over and over again because they're transferable and they're concepts that can change the way people view stewardship or money and money management.
And one of the most compelling illustrations he shares is his own personal story.
Ron says, “When Judy and I got married, we lived in a trailer on campus at Indiana University. It was 225 sq ft. It was 8ft wide, 6ft tall and 28 ft long. You could cook dinner and do the ironing without moving. When Judy did the ironing, I had to get out of the trailer or move to the back bedroom because there wasn't room for me and the ironing board in the front room. Well, as life went on, we had five children, 13 grandchildren, and began to manage college education, cars, all kinds of complexity retirement.”
As the years went by and his wealth grew, he found that “more” equals more choices, which equals more confusion. When he lived in the trailer, he didn't have to make a lot of decisions.
The point, he says, is not that everyone should live in a trailer. The point is: Don't fall into the trap that more will provide peace of heart and mind, because more provides more choices, which equals more confusion. And you'll never ever have peace of heart and mind just by having more. That's a spiritual perspective, it’s not a financial perspective.
HOW DO CHRISTIANS FIND CONTENTMENT?
Contentment, above any other trait, should really be the hallmark of a mature believer's financial life.
Hebrews 13:5 says, "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.'"
The starting point for "enough" is defined in this verse—it’s what I already have. For years I taught and wrote about the importance of the "How much is enough?" question. One day I realized that God had quantified "enough" in this verse.
Enough is what I have. I can be content where I am, with what I have, because contentment is a choice— a decision. Contentment can be learned by becoming more rooted in the reality of God's nearness and provision and by living in the spiritual reality of His promise that "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you."
Even the apostle Paul learned contentment along the way, and he shares his insight in Philippians 4: “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot … I have learned the secret of being content whether well fed or hungry … I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
WHERE TO DRAW THE LINE?
There’s nothing whatsoever wrong with financial prosperity. But it can become a problem if we’re not careful. So where should you draw the line and ensure you’re keeping your money in check and that it’s not interfering with your relationship with God?
Ron Blue says money, “becomes a problem when you pursue prosperity for its own sake, in the mistaken belief that more is always better; that more will make you happier; that more will solve all of your problems. It becomes a problem when we look to our bank accounts and not God as our Provider.”
In reality, the more you have, the more choices you have to make, and the less real freedom you have. At some point, all of those choices and options become a burden.
You may find yourself working more than when you had fewer choices just to maintain what you’ve acquired.
If you’re able to find contentment with what you already have, you’re far less likely to be taken in by the Paradox of Prosperity.
On today’s program, Rob also answers listener questions:
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.
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