WEALTH AND PROSPERITY

“Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.

—Proverbs 15:16 (NIV)

Is there a better picture of the truth of this passage than Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol? Poor Bob Cratchit with son Tiny Tim and his impoverished family are filled with joy and faith, contrasted with wealthy Ebenezer Scrooge’s miserable existence. The novel isn’t so much against money as it is failing to live a life that uses what we have for others. The U.S. is in a curious place regarding wealth. We have affluence that is virtually unimaginable. Our ethics regarding the ways we obtain wealth are often highly suspect. Yet, for all our failings in this area, we’re a nation known for generosity. When tragedy strikes, the greatness of America’s generosity kicks in. We have sent American dollars around the world to help those in need. We even provide tax credits for those who give charitably. Yet we can do better—not just in giving, but in our attitudes toward wealth.

Repent for any greed or wrong attitudes concerning money.
Pray for an increased spirit of generosity in the church.
Ask the Lord to pour out godly fear of the Lord throughout our land.

DAILY PRAYER

Father, I thank you for the way You have poured out abundance upon our nation. Forgive us for the ways we have often hoarded or squandered that wealth. Help us to see from heaven’s perspective how wealth is to be viewed and used. Pour out the fear of the Lord that causes us to see all that we have as coming from You. Help us as a nation not to put our trust in our finances but in You. Give us an even greater sprit of generosity.