Wealth redistribution is a hot political topic these days. Some argue President Obama’s economic policies are essentially moving money from one group of people to another by raising and lower taxes accordingly. The term “wealth redistribution”, equated to socialism by some, could be defined as taking money from the rich and giving it to the middle class or poor. Whether you agree with this definition of wealth redistribution or the use of the term itself, Jesus Himself supports it, but in reverse.
Reverse Wealth Redistribution - Make it work for you!
For those who are good stewards or managers of the financial resources God has given them, wealth redistribution is a very exciting thing. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-28), Jesus speaks of three servants whose master gave them money to manage while he went on a journey. Two of the servants made their money grow while the master was away, but the third servant did not. The master returned and, after seeing that the third servant did not manage his money in a way as to receive increase, commanded that the money be taken from him and given to one of the other servants. Verse 28, 29 – “Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.”
The servant who initially received the ten talents became the recipient of reverse wealth redistribution. The money was taken from the one who had less and given to the one who had more, just the opposite of the wealth redistribution we hear about in the news. This was not an injustice, but rather an example of rewards and consequences of individual behavior. Take personal responsibility for your finances, make wise money management decisions, and more money will come your way.
It’s true - the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Dave Ramsey says, “Money naturally flows from those who do not manage it to those who do.” This begs an important question:
How do you get in the “rich get richer” crowd?
1.) Utilize a spending plan (financial budget). This is the best way to show God that you have a plan for managing the resources he entrust to you. Without one, your money will disappear quickly, and you’ll constantly be controlled by a “lack of money”. Financial pressure will become a way of life.
2.) Cut out un-necessaryspending. Creating a budget will shine a spotlight on areas where you have been spending more than you realized. Often times, the problem is not too little income; it’s too much lifestyle. You may not be able to increase your income right away, but you can immediately take action by cutting expenses. You may have to stop buying fast food, downgrade to a less expensive car, and stay away from clearance sales, but God will honor and bless your diligence and commitment in controlling what is within your control.
3.) Begin tithing immediately. The first 10% of all your increase is God’s. It is to be given to your local church. God promises financial blessings to those who do this, but many chose to disobey God’s directive in this area. As a result, they are not the recipient of the blessings that He promises. (Key scriptures regarding tithing are Leviticus, 27:30-32, Malachi 3:10, Matthew 23:23, and Proverbs 3:9)Failing to tithe nullifies the benefits of doing numbers 1 and 2 above. Despite your best efforts, it puts you in the “poor gets poorer” crowd because God cannot bless your disobedience. If you wait until you can afford to tithe, you never will. Begin immediately and God will begin to bless you for it.
If you want to receive financial increase, become like the first two servants - Properly manage the resources you have already been given. Performing the three steps above will lay a good foundation for your financial success and get you on the receiving end of biblical wealth redistribution.
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