Philippians 4:12
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have
plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every
situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or
in want.3If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not
agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to
godly teaching, 4he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an
unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that
result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil
suspicions 5and constant friction between men of corrupt mind,
who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means
to financial gain.
6But godliness with contentment is great
gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can
take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be
content with that.9People
who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap
and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin
and destruction. 10For the love of money is a
root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have
wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many
griefs.
11But you, man of God, flee from all this, and
pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and
gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of
the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good
confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13In the sight of God, who gives life to everything,
and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate
made the good confession, I charge you 14to keep this command without spot or blame until
the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which God will bring about in his own time—God,
the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of
lords, 16who alone is immortal and who lives in
unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be
honor and might forever. Amen.
17Command
those who are rich in this present world not to be
arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so
uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with
everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,
and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for
themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they
may take hold of the life that is truly life.
i think, from this passages, and in the light of the entire
bible, God does make his people rich, only if He allows it. We know
that being rich isn't wrong, if God so rightly bless, enjoy it, but
also use the riches that God blessed you with, to bless others, and
be rich in good deeds. Don't be arrogant and think that you are
untouchable or above others who not not as well off as you, thus
placing our confidence in your riches.
But if you are not rich, don't clamour after it, and don't think
about trying to earn points with God (thinking that godliness is a
means to attaining wealth)
God's blessing has nothing to do with whether you are godly or
not, He does what He sees is right. But as we know, our works have
no standing before God, so pls don't think thoughts like "if i go
to church more often, God will more likely bless my business and
career than if i don't go church", or that "if i tithe more, God
will bless me more". This is a wrong thinking, because the reason
why God blesses you when you tithe is because God says He would,
but not because you tithe.
ultimately, it's all about being content with the lot which God
has given you.
so is proverty a curse? It depends what do you mean by poverty
then.
God promises to take care of your every need. Are your needs
met, then be content, and don't think that you are poor. =)
When I was a young believer, I did pray for my dad to get a
better job, because he was really unhappy with his old job, because
his hard work isn't being appreciated and recognised. He searched
for a new job for a really long time, and yeah, God answered it. It
paid alot better, and he's happier. Now, he's also a christian, and
whatever riches we have, we bless others. we hold alpha, christmas
parties etc, invited friends and colleagues, and share the good
news etc.
when we define curses, i see it as, an absense of God's
blessings and support.
when we define poverty, i see it as, a constant lack of basic
provision. (staying in a hdb flat isn't considered proverty, just
because you know people who live in bungalows)
if you're a child of God, and you are really struggling with
providing for the family, etc, then yes, please go up for prayers.
God says He will provide for your needs, you shall not want.
Somewhere, that blessing is being blocked, either by our lack of
faith, or sins or some disobedience somewhere.
do i know anyone who became rich after he became a christian.
yes. my cell leader.
he came from a christian family, then he backslided as a youth,
and was a sailor for awhile. he was addicted to gambling, and often
gambled away every cent he has, even taking funds from his company.
At his most desperate moment, he was invited to church, and he
rededicated his life back. God helped him overcome his addiction,
and he started from scratch.
he learnt about tithing, and he told God he didn't have money,
so instead of 10%, can he give 5%. and he started from there, then
God blessed him, and he had endless business. he has this huge
whiteboard where he will stick business, timing whatever la.
from empty board, to no space to stick anymore information on
the board.
even now, he sometimes have to give some business to other
people to do, because he has too much to handle.
so, ya, does God bless? Definitely