Operating In God’s Economy
“And do not seek what you should eat or drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you” (Luke 12:29-31).
God has an economic system that is diametrically opposed to this world’s system. As born again believers in God’s Kingdom, it is imperative for us to know how His economic system operates so as to avail ourselves of the blessings therein.
God’s economy is free from anxiety: Our opening text says God knows we need material things. As a good Father, He provides sufficiently for His children. It is only weird children who will doubt their parents’ willingness to give them the things they need, particularly when they know their parents can afford it. It is an assumption for many children that their parents will provide for their needs. The Psalmist emphatically says he has never seen the righteous forsaken and his seed begging for bread. It is necessary for us to also see God as our Source and Provider, and not just our Savior and Healer. Anxieties about finances and supplies simply shows we have little faith (Luke 12:28).
God’s economy is free from greed: The wealth of the world is predicated on and motivated by greed. The craving to have more and more rules the world’s system. Jesus said a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions even when he has a lot (Luke 12:15). Though God wants us to have things, He doesn’t want things to have us. Things are not God. One of the reasons why God commands us to give generously and regularly is to avoid been consumed by greed. A man of God said: “the only proof you have conquered greed is your giving.”
God’s economy is not just monetary: The net worth of an individual is his Assets less Liabilities. Money can only answer to things, and not all life’s issues. For believers in Christ, our net worth is much more than riches or what it can offer; our real asset is our relationship with God (Jeremiah 9:23-24). God told Abraham (and by extension us) that He is His exceeding great reward (Genesis 15:1). True riches are more than things. True riches refer to the ability to get prayers answered, ability to hear from God, ability to have peace of mind in the midst of turmoil. It is also good health, divine favor, divine wisdom, etc.
God’s economy is a partnership: Jesus entered Peter’s boat on Lake Gennesaret by purpose. There were two boats, but He entered Peter’s and ended his financial struggles and toil (Luke 5:1-11). Tithing is neither an old nor new covenant issue; it is actually a timeless covenant issue. We are stewards of God’s possessions because He owns all things; we don’t own anything. He owns it all. This understanding should help us surrender our finances, business and careers to Him. When He becomes our senior partner indeed, our heavens open and lack disappears. God is looking for trust worthy partners like Peter.
God’s economy is a mindset: God’s economy rest solely on the law of seed time and harvest (Genesis 8:22). It is about sowing and anticipating the harvest from the seed intentionally planted. It is about having a mind that seeks to glorify God in all things and at all times. It is a mindset of possibilities in spite of odds. Isaac planted in famine and his crops yielded supernaturally (Genesis 26:1-3, 13-14). It is a mindset that doesn’t give up. Isaac kept on digging wells till he got to Rehoboth (the place of his enlargement). This mindset is totally opposed to that of this world. In the world you accumulate for leverage; in God’s economy you liquidate for leverage (Proverbs 11:24-26).
CONCLUSION: Are you a bona fide member of the Kingdom of God. If not, accept Jesus as Lord and Savior today. If you are, are you operating fully in God’s economy? Receive faith, courage and a heart of obedience to begin to operate God’s economy.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com