In his book, “The Total Money Makeover,” Dave Ramsey says this:
“If wealth is spiritually bad, then good people can’t have it, so all the bad people get it. It is the duty of the good people to get wealth to keep it from the bad people, because the good people will do good with it. If we all abandon money because some misguided souls view it as evil, then the only ones with money will be the pornographer, the drug dealer, or the pimp.”
This paragraph appears in the very last chapter of the book, but it may be the section that stuck with me the most – even more than the get-out-of-debt plan – and I thought it was worth sharing.
I think some Christians try to demonize having money and trying to attain money, but the fact is that God does bless some people financially. God chooses to bless some people with finances and others with different gifts, but the purpose of any God-given gift is to share it with others, believers and non-believers alike.
It is our duty, as Christians, to use our God-given gifts (which may or may not be money) to help others and share the Good News. (The passage in 1 Corinthians 12 addresses spiritual gifts in detail.)
Finances and money are a struggle for many people, especially Americans. However, as Ramsey points out in his teachings, money can be a God-given tool for helping others and doing good. It also can be used as a living testament to the Christian life.
Here are two good Web sites to read and learn about debt-free living from a Biblical perspective:
April 17, 2010 at 2:30 am
Phil and I are hoping to be out of debt this year! We plan on downsizing and living simply. We cannot wait to share what we have with others!
April 17, 2010 at 2:43 pm
It’s a great feeling, isn’t it? We’re working toward that goal, as well. Hopefully, we’ll all be able to convince others to do the same!