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Finacially Free??

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newgene87:
So a opportunity came across for me to get "financially free" or make extra extra income. And for some reason, I'm afraid of alot of money. I'm scared of "getting rich". Now as I think about this : even though the business is legit, Im seeking scriptures behind this. I know that Scripture states: "Money is a root of all evil" but can't money be used for good reasons?? Is it wrong to be financially stable and free and be able to help others with money? I'm seeking council and advice but most of all an understanding of the scriptures behind "Money". Any and every scripture regarding money will be VERY much appreciated. And One thing I found interesting somebody told me. The wise men brought unto the child Jesus Mhyrr(however u spell it), frankencense and gold: and states that since they presented Jesus with those valuables, God is a God of value and worth. Is that true? Or scriptural? History (supposedly) shows those were worth almost 300,000 dollars or something like that????. Found it interesting. And that since the Patriarchs were rich we should be or whatever. Is this in the new covenant? Does Christ desire us to live making 10,000 a month, not working, and giving it away? Just thoughts. Thanks.

octoberose:
 What a great topic. I started looking up scripture and they are plentiful! Some of those most meaningful to me are the words of Jesus in  Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up of yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Hebrews 13:5 says " Keep your lives free from the love and money and be content with what you have.". I think that's very powerful, the issue of contentment. When I'm truly grateful I am not restless for more. Philippians 4:11-13 Paul says that he has learned to be content whatever the situation, weather he is brought low or abounds. And then he says something interesting, "I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengths me." This says there's a secret to facing plenty and abundance, the same secret as facing hunger and need and the secret is this, Christ Strengthens Us. So wether we have or we are in need, it is still Christ we rely on.
Luke 12 Jesus reminds us that our lives do not consist in the abundance of our possessions. Ecclesiastes 5 is Solomon saying whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.
 II Cor. 2 reminds me of Ray, "Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit."
 Ray reminds us in the Rich Man and Lazarus that there was never anything great about being a begger. That was not a station in life that was valued in the Old Testament scriptures. .  Just thought I'd add this to the discussion.
 Weather you, newgene, pursue this opportunity or not isn't the important thing: it is doing as the Holy Spirit leads you to do. There's nothing intrinsically wrong with having a larger income. Very often though when I am presented with 'opportunities', the person doing most of the profiting is the one presenting it to me. Usually a large income comes with a great deal of work and there really are no 'get rich quick' ideas. There are good products and good ideas, but few are profitable in the long haul to the ordinary individual (in my experience).
 I do believe that the gifts presented to the baby Jesus were of great value- I suppose God's way of providing for Mary and Joseph as they fled with their precious Son. But how that translates into God being a God of value and worth escapes me, because everything tells me of the value and worth of God. And yes, the Patriarchs were quite wealthy- I even heard a Rabbi recently admit that Jews are still quite wealthy and give the credit to God. But I am grateful that  although He has given me a little wealth he has most importantly given me His Spirit, worth far more than pensions and stocks and houses.
 There's so much more to this topic and I'm sure our fellow forum members will provide it. Whatever you do, don't be afraid at all because Jesus is your all in all.  :)

Deborah-Leigh:


Money can not purchase love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, endurance, patience or goodness of heart and character.

So endeavor always to put money in its place as a servant, not  master.  ;D

Mat 17:27  However, so that we don't offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, open its mouth, and you will find a coin. Take it and give it to them for me and you."

Dave in Tenn:
Octoberose mentioned most that came to my mind, and made any of the points I was thinking as well.  So I'll save you the reading and just say I agree with what she said.   

I do want to correct the one you sorta quoted.

1Ti 6:8  But if we have food and a roof over us, let that be enough.
1Ti 6:9  But those who have a desire for wealth are falling into danger, and are taken as in a net by a number of foolish and damaging desires, through which men are overtaken by death and destruction.
1Ti 6:10  For the love of money is a root of all evil: and some whose hearts were fixed on it have been turned away from the faith, and been wounded with unnumbered sorrows.

That said, to be in financial debt is not a good thing.  If your extra income can help you get out of debt (rather than increase your appetite), it's a blessing. 

You asked  Does Christ desire us to live making 10,000 a month, not working, and giving it away?  No...Christ does not desire US to do that.  Where we ARE is what Christ "desires", moving into what we are becoming. (I Corinthians 7:21-24)  But I don't doubt that God calls individuals with large incomes or 'estates' and heals them of the evils (not necessarily the moral evils, but the practical 'down-side' and the unique spiritual challenges) associated with money.  If YOUR concience is clear on the matter, YOU'RE not going to know what God 'desired' until you look back on it.

Lastly, though an activity may be perfectly legal, that doesn't automatically make it ethical.  Think hard whether your liberty is somebody else's bondage.

Do good.   
   

Gina:
Excellent points, Dave. 

Yes, it's the LOVE of money which is the root of all sort of evil, not money in and of itself. For example, look at Abraham and Job -- very rich, very righteous men (because they believed [loved/obeyed] God and it was accounted to them as righteousness)

And, yes, just because something is lawful doesn't make it ethical.

Excellent!!

Not to point the finger lol,  but can someone point to something that is lawful and not ethical?  I can think of one thing right off my head -- organized religion with its tithing practices.  That's lawful and totally unethical!   :'(

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