Richard Roberts
Did you know that the spirit of poverty can be on someone who has a lot of money? In fact, a lot of the world’s wealthiest people have a spirit of poverty because they’re afraid they’re going to lose what they’ve got. And that’s the real spirit of poverty ― thinking you don’t have enough no matter what you have.
That was the spirit of the rich young ruler in Luke 18. He asked Jesus, “How can I get into the kingdom of heaven?” And Jesus answered, “You lack one thing. I want you to give.” The young man responded, “Wait a minute, I’m wealthy! Don’t touch my money. That’s mine!” He was afraid that if he became a giver like Jesus had told him, he’d lose it all. And he refused to become a seed-sower.
One of the greatest things I’ve learned since I became a Christian is how to make my life a seed…how to sow unto the Lord…how to invest my money, time, and talents into things which please God. Because when I do, God fulfills His promise, which says, “Prove me now… if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes (Malachi 3:10–11).”
There is a mystery about giving and receiving. Proverbs 11:24 says that you can give, yet gain even more; or withhold and come to poverty. God promises, He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6 NKJV). And that’s a promise you can bank on!