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“Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.” –Proverbs 15:16
Is there a better picture of the truth of this passage than Charles dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol? You know the story. Poor Bob Cratchit with son Tiny Tim and the rest of their impoverished family are filled with joy and faith, contrasted with the miserable existence of wealthy Ebenezer Scrooge. The novel isn’t so much against money as it is our attitude of holding on to it and failing to live a life that uses what we have for others. The Bible would call that failing to have a fear of the Lord.
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The United States is in a curious place regarding wealth. We certainly have affluence that is virtually unimaginable. Many place a high value on obtaining money. Our ethics regarding the ways we obtain wealth are often highly suspect. Yet, for all our failings in this area, we are also a nation known for generosity.
We celebrate those who are able to give great financial gifts for charitable reasons. When tragedy strikes, the greatness of america’s generosity kicks in. We have sent american dollars around the world to help those in need. We even provide tax credits for those who give charitably. Yet we can do better not just in giving, but in our attitudes toward wealth. More fear of God, less striving after wealth. That would be better!
Prayer Points
- Repent for any greed or wrong attitudes concerning money.
- Pray for an increased spirit of generosity in the church.
- Ask the Lord to pour out godly fear of the Lord throughout our land.
My Prayer
Father, I thank You for the way You have poured out abundance upon our nation. Forgive us for the ways we have often hoarded or squandered that wealth. Help us to see from heaven’s perspective how wealth is to be viewed and used. Pour out the fear of the Lord that causes us to see all that we have as coming from You. Help us as a nation not to put our trust in our finances but in You. Give us an even greater spirit of generosity.
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David Butts is the chairman of America’s National Prayer Committee and the president of Harvest Prayer Ministries. Photo Credit: PonyWang/Getty Images Signature via Canva Teams.
