Some people might be upset by this article. Money can be a sensitive topic. And when money and religious beliefs are brought up together, there can be trouble.
I watched a commercial on TV that really bothered me, and I couldn't figure out why. You may have seen it or one like it, or you may have heard a similar message from the pulpit. I finally knew what was making me sad.
The message was meant to make me feel bad if I didn't help poor people by giving money. Now, I'm all for helping people, but let's stop for a second and think about those who are poor.
God never meant for people to be poor in the first place. "Be fruitful" were the first words that the Bible says God said to man. God never wanted people to be poor, and he doesn't want them to be poor now. Jesus Christ also said that there will always be poor people. So, to say that Jesus lied when he said that poverty would never end is to talk about getting rid of it.
Now, there are people in need all over the world. No one can say otherwise. But why do some religious people try to make you feel bad if you don't give to help the poor? That goes against the rule about giving. The Bible says that we should give, not because we have to or out of resentment, but because we want to. God loves a happy giver. If you are made to feel bad about giving, you won't be happy to do it.
I think it's wrong to try to make someone feel guilty so they'll give you their money. Your emotions are being used against you, and you are being forced to give money. Thievery!
And have you ever wondered why giving to others isn't talked about more? God has promised that if you give, He will give you plenty in return. He has told you that you will have plenty. He has even said that He will open the windows of heaven for you and give you so much blessing that you won't be able to take it all in. God set up the rule that we should both give and receive.
When was the last time you heard someone ask for money and also say that you should expect to be blessed in return? Isn't it rare? Instead, they want to take your money without telling you what you can expect in return. If people don't know they're supposed to get something back, they won't look for it or expect it. If you think there's no fruit to pick and eat on a tree, you wouldn't even think about going over to look. So, again, good, honest, God-loving people are robbed, this time of the blessings they should get in return for what they give.
Why not teach people about the abundance God has promised instead of making them feel bad about what they have and what others don't have? Why not show people how to get ahead in life? The Bible says that God wants you to be happy and healthy above all else. Why not teach people the clear rules from the Bible about how to be successful?
Someone might make you feel so bad that you give them fifty or one hundred dollars. But think about what might happen if they taught you how to do well instead. What would happen if your income went up by $20,000, $30,000, or even $50,000 a year? Wouldn't you be able to help people in need a lot more? And you could give to help them without being grumpy about it. Being rich is not a bad thing. Cash is not bad. All bad things come from wanting money too much.
Christians need to believe that God will give them plenty and follow the rules for success. Then their lives will be blessed and full, and they will have plenty to give to those in need.
