Contrasts between Kingdom and worldly views of money (part 2)
Last week, I introduced some worldly and Kingdom practices in regard to money. Here is the final part of the list.
7. In the Kingdom, we operate in faith. In the world, we react out of fear.
God allows financial mountains to challenge us so we can learn to move them by faith (Mark 11:23). Followers of Christ are called to live by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5: 7). Those with a worldly mindset usually react to challenging circumstances in fear which causes them to respond in ways that are not usually God honoring. Scripture says there is no fear in love, so the person who operates in fear cannot at the same time walk in faith (1 John 4:18).
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8. In the Kingdom, God multiplies what we have. In the world, we leverage what we have.
Jesus demonstrated that God requires we surrender to Him first the little we have before He can bless it and multiply it (Matthew 14:21). In the worldly mindset, we are taught to depend on our ability to leverage our finances, manipulate people, and control circumstances, to experience an increase.
9. In the Kingdom, we are problem solvers. In the world, we are complainers.
The word of God teaches us that sound wisdom, discretion, prudence, understanding, and power reside with God, which can result in financial increase and influence (Proverbs 8:12-18). Wisdom is developed when we use our knowledge to solve problems. The greater the problem we solve, the more influence and wealth we can access. Being a problem solver is a key to walking in God’s Kingdom economy. Those with a worldly mindset are taught to worry, fear, and complain about their challenges which keep them greatly limited for the rest of their life.
10. In the Kingdom, our source is God. In the world, our source is man.
Paul said in Philippians 4:19 that our God provides all of our needs according to His riches in glory. Jeremiah 17 teaches us that the person who trusts the Lord will prosper even during a famine. Contrariwise, those with a worldly mindset have faith only when their natural means of financial support are flowing. If ever that natural flow is stopped, they then get discouraged and fall into fear. This illustrates that their faith was never in God, to begin with.
11. In the Kingdom, we are content. In the world, we are constantly striving for more.
In the Kingdom, we learn that contentment has nothing to do with how much money or how many possessions we have. We have learned to be content when we have much or suffer with little (Philippians 4: 11,12). In the world, the more we have, the more we crave, and we are never satisfied with possessions because only God can fill the longing of our soul (Luke 12:15).
12. In the Kingdom, we are stewards of His wealth. In the world, we represent our interests.
In the Kingdom, we function as “God’s treasurers” and His stewards (Philippians 3:7, 8; 1 Corinthians 4:1, 2). Nothing we have is our own. God has only lent us our talents, gifts, abilities, and possessions so that we can promote His will on the earth. Those with a worldly mindset believe that they represent only themselves and have the right to use their finances in anyway they desire.
13. In the Kingdom, wealth is primarily to confirm His covenant. In the world, wealth is focused on satisfying one’s objectives.
God told Moses that He has given us the power to create wealth so that we can confirm His covenant on the earth (Deuteronomy 8:18). Although God blesses some people with nice cars, homes, and other amenities, the primary reason for wealth is to spread His word on the earth. Of course, those with a worldly mindset believe they earned the right to use their wealth any way they desire (within legal means).
14. In the Kingdom, wealth is always cooperating. In the world, wealth is individualistic.
Finally, those with a Kingdom mindset know that wealth is all about seeking first His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33). Since the Kingdom of God is primarily represented on the earth through His church, we are called to support the ministry of Christ in His Body. This should cause Christ's followers to function and flow financially in a way that prioritizes the financial support of their local congregation. God’s plan A, B, and C is the local church! All influence in the marketplace should emanate out of the matrix of a (New Testament) church. Those with a worldly mindset think only about financing their vocation and calling; however, it is impossible for an individual believer to function apart from His Body, as we see in the epistles of Paul (1 Corinthians 12).
Dr. Joseph Mattera is an internationally-known author, consultant, and theologian whose mission is to influence leaders who influence culture. He is the founding pastor of Resurrection Church, and leads several organizations, including The U.S. Coalition of Apostolic Leaders and Christ Covenant Coalition.
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