What if I proposed that God ordained that there would be both the “haves” and “have nots”—referring to those who “have it made” financially, and those who are always struggling to make ends meet? Okay, I am not saying that God wants us to struggle in order to make ends meet or feel like we can never get ahead. The Bible has many stories that talk about money. In fact, there are over 2,000 references where money plays a valuable role in the struggle for good or evil.
John 3:27 says, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” I know what you are going to say, “This is not talking about money.” You are correct. Nonetheless, this statement encompasses all aspects of our being. Until you and I realized that we are all stewards of the owner’s (God’s) goods, we will always struggle. We will struggle to understand why we are in the situation that keeps us from reaching His purpose for our life.
In religious circles, we commonly talk about spiritual gifts as attributes that we may have. I find it interesting how when we search ourselves, we may be slow to come up with one or two gifts that Jesus has blessed us with. Have you ever asked someone who knows you, what gifts you possess? When they tell you what your gifts are, what are the first words that come out of your mouth? “No way!” Well, it’s time to recognize and refine those gifts for His purpose. You will be amazed how your life will change, and the joy you will experience when sharing these blessings with others and focusing less on yourself. Could it be that these gifts you possess were designed to bless others?
When was the last time you prayed for the Lord to refine your gifts? Have you examined yourself by asking questions such as, Who am I? What is my purpose? Where am I going? What am I going to do about it? Well, Jesus has the answers. How often do we miss the blessings by not asking Jesus to clarify the answers to these questions?
Remember, you were made wonderfully, in His image, to be a part of the body of Christ—for prophecy, for ministry, for teaching, for exhortation, for giving, and for leading. Romans 12:6–8.
I wonder if Jesus said that there would always be the “haves” and the “have nots” because His focus was not about money, but about making Him first? Doesn’t making Jesus first allow Him to provide for our needs as He helps us build goals and/or milestones in order to give us direction? Could that direction lead us to fruitfulness? If we don’t move towards goals, could we be drifting aimlessly, like a ship without a rudder, which may result in some of our financial predicaments? Are we in the short race or the long race?
Consider this: those who appear to have made it financially have a great responsibility and may understand their stewardship. Jesus is refining us to be faithful with His goods and gifts, small or great. Mathew 25:21 states that when we are faithful over a few things, He will make us rulers over many things. Therefore, let’s focus on what is eternal, blessing others with what is given us, and experiencing unquenchable joy.
