Comments for JesusMoney

Comment on The Greatest Commandments and Money by Kent

Kent — Fri, 31 May 2013 13:02:10 +0000

This is so cool, I stumbled upon 1 Corinthians 6:10 NLT and seems to hit on what you said: Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything. I guess we don't have to be wealthy to be blessed to be a blessing

Comment on The Greatest Commandments and Money by Kent

Kent — Thu, 30 May 2013 16:13:23 +0000

Excellent comment, thank you.

Comment on The Greatest Commandments and Money by Rhodie Shreve

Rhodie Shreve — Thu, 30 May 2013 14:49:45 +0000

I wanted to comment on the notion of blessing. I find this curious in Scripture in that I rarely hear anyone talk about someone losing everything as blessing, or seeming to not “prosper”, but instead being put in a place of suffering or loss. We often say someone who receives or is able to be successful in terms of monetary wealth is blessed by God, as if other contributing factors of social status, mental giftedness, educational opportunity, etc. do not make this sometimes more possible for them as opposed to someone else. It seems the more specific goal for us is to be conformed to image of Christ. I know in my own life I have had experiences that might be seen both by the world and the church as failure or “un”properous, but they have developed things in me I would never have sought out personally on my own and they have drawn me closer to Jesus in deeper ways. I am thankful for all the “blessings” that God was able to work together for my good in accomplishing His goal of confirming me to His Son. I think exercising great discernment and caution in using the language of prosperity to describe material blessings in the lives of believers would be prudent in light of Scripture and the teaching of Jesus. And we all know the great temptations material wealth can bring. It takes another kind of conforming to lay all one’s material “wealth” (which I consider over and above trying to “pay the bills” or survival living) at the feet of Jesus. I don’t see enough of this going on in the church for sure. And just think of all the creative, concrete, compassionate possibilities someone like that would have…wow….now that would be living in the radical stewardship you write about Kent!

Comment on The Greatest Commandments and Money by Kent

Kent — Wed, 29 May 2013 20:50:13 +0000

Oh, sorry, I didn’t answer your final question… “If we don’t teach persons how to prosper then how do they have the means to become a blessing to others?” We teach them to follow Biblical stewardship principles because it is the right way. He wants us to do so because we love and trust Him, and we want to take the pathway of integrity- not for what $ we get out of the deal. Yes we are blessed to be a blessing. If you follow the 6 financial habits I listed above, because it is the right way, our heart is in the right place, regardless of the outcome. If God happens to bless with financial prosperity the man or women of integrity, should bless others.

Comment on The Greatest Commandments and Money by Kent

Kent — Wed, 29 May 2013 20:24:20 +0000

Hi Vincent, Thank you for your comment. First we have to define prosperity. If defined as wealth beyond one’s basic daily needs (or influence per your blog), then that is what I take issue with. I don’t deny that if we do the 6 basic Judeo-Christian practices of: living well below means, hard work, honesty, saving, giving and severely limiting borrowing, that scripture promises we will not be in want. Looking at the teachings of Jesus though, I don’t find the scriptural basis for financial prosperity is assured beyond that. I understand, that for scripture to be valid, it (scripture) must apply to anyplace and/or any time. For example, if a Christ follower practiced those 6 things in Bangladesh today or Russia during the height of communism, or a Catholic in Ireland during the penal laws, could they be assured of financial prosperity as defined above? In America, yes the odds are high for financial prosperity, just not a Biblical assured blessing. Christ promised we will suffer, for some it may be financial, even if we followed scripture and the Holy Spirit’s leading to the T.

Comment on The Greatest Commandments and Money by Vincent Duncombe

Vincent Duncombe — Wed, 29 May 2013 16:58:08 +0000

Hey Kent nice to see a new post! I think we sometimes come down too hard on the prosperity preachers. There is ample evidence in the Bible to suggest that hard work will pay off with material gain. So down playing this fact is not helpful. The important thing is to focus on what happens when we get that money. Like you have pointed they (prosperity preachers) fail to emphasize Jesus’ points that you have mentioned in this post. You are blessed so you can help others. If we do not teach persons how to prosper then how do they have the means to become a blessing to others?

Comment on How to Save on Razor Blades by Razor Blade Club

Razor Blade Club — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 06:53:32 +0000

Opening soon in Canada first. Razor Blade Club will shave you cash monthly also. Fast first delivery. No border issues with hold ups at the customs. In Canada for Canadians. Enjoy the freedom to never worry about trying to make that razor blade last longer because of the high prices

Comment on Jesus and Small Business Owners by Vincent Duncombe

Vincent Duncombe — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:40:51 +0000

Well said. Reminds me Rabbi Lapin’s book Thou Shall Prosper.

Comment on The Eternal Significance of Sharing Possessions by Adorea Harris

Adorea Harris — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 01:01:46 +0000

So true Kent, what you said to Vincent. It is still hard for me to give something away that I know I could sell fo good money, but I have done it. And..I don’t feel a loss afterwards. Since I have largely become a non-consumer in many areas, I feel better, more peaceful not always thinking about what to buy or acquire by some other means. Love reading these responses.

Comment on The Eternal Significance of Sharing Possessions by Kent

Kent — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 23:50:18 +0000

Just get started… Give some stuff away. Have a tent or sleeping bag? -useful, and valuable stuff like that?- give it to a group ministering to the homeless- that is just an example, pray what God wants you to give. Money, possessions, food, time, join a group visiting and befriending those in prison. Invite someone into your home, who might not get a great meal very often like you could serve them, grill some steaks. Ask a beggar on the street nearby to have lunch across the street at McDonald’s or Wendy’s with you. Already have enough clothes and shoes?- eliminate a clothing budget for a while. Have fun, its a journey, life isn’t about accumulation. It’s (accumulation) a habit and cultural value- you, me, other believers need get free of.