Riches and Honor: Gifts from Above
1 Chronicles 29:12
Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
I grew up in poverty, surrounded by similar circumstances, which naturally tinted my view of biblical truths related to wealth. Many of us are drawn to scriptures warning against the pitfalls of riches, perhaps neglecting to see the full scope of what the Bible says about wealth. This verse from 1 Chronicles reveals a profound truth: riches and honor are dispensed by God's hand. It’s a reminder that everything, including wealth and prestige, originates from Him.
God’s distribution of wealth is not arbitrary. It's purposeful, designed to equip us for His plans in our lives. Understanding this eradicates the poverty mindset that may hold us back from realizing the fullness of His provision. God doesn’t just throw riches around; He grants them to those who seek to fulfill His will, ensuring we don’t idolize the gifts over the Giver.
This perspective encourages us to balance our view on wealth. It’s not just about the warnings against greed or the love of money. It's also recognizing that God can and does bless His people with resources, strength, and honor to advance His kingdom. Our focus should be on trusting God and His plans for us, rather than the resources themselves. By aligning our desires with His will, we open the door to His provision in every aspect of our lives.
Let this be a call to shift our perspective, to see riches and honor as tools for His purpose, not as ends in themselves. It's about stewardship of the blessings He chooses to give, using them in a manner that glorifies Him and furthers His kingdom. As we navigate the balance between the blessings of wealth and the dangers of materialism, may we always seek His guidance, remembering that all good things come from above, and with them, the responsibility to use them wisely.
~ Pastor Gary Caudill
Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
I grew up in poverty, surrounded by similar circumstances, which naturally tinted my view of biblical truths related to wealth. Many of us are drawn to scriptures warning against the pitfalls of riches, perhaps neglecting to see the full scope of what the Bible says about wealth. This verse from 1 Chronicles reveals a profound truth: riches and honor are dispensed by God's hand. It’s a reminder that everything, including wealth and prestige, originates from Him.
God’s distribution of wealth is not arbitrary. It's purposeful, designed to equip us for His plans in our lives. Understanding this eradicates the poverty mindset that may hold us back from realizing the fullness of His provision. God doesn’t just throw riches around; He grants them to those who seek to fulfill His will, ensuring we don’t idolize the gifts over the Giver.
This perspective encourages us to balance our view on wealth. It’s not just about the warnings against greed or the love of money. It's also recognizing that God can and does bless His people with resources, strength, and honor to advance His kingdom. Our focus should be on trusting God and His plans for us, rather than the resources themselves. By aligning our desires with His will, we open the door to His provision in every aspect of our lives.
Let this be a call to shift our perspective, to see riches and honor as tools for His purpose, not as ends in themselves. It's about stewardship of the blessings He chooses to give, using them in a manner that glorifies Him and furthers His kingdom. As we navigate the balance between the blessings of wealth and the dangers of materialism, may we always seek His guidance, remembering that all good things come from above, and with them, the responsibility to use them wisely.
~ Pastor Gary Caudill