It’s undeniably true that American Christians have been blessed by God in material ways not known by most Christians around the world. To our shame, we often squander these blessings without recognizing these blessings are given us by God so that we are able to help others in need. The Apostle Paul gave this counsel to those who have received material blessings:
17 As for the rich in this present world, instruct them not to be conceited and arrogant…. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share [with others]. 19 In this way storing up for themselves the enduring riches of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19 amp)
Receiving or earning material riches is not evil or sinful in itself, but we often lose sight of why God blesses us this way. Material blessings often bring with them spiritual defeat because we don’t recognize the “conduit principle” orchestrated by God. By “conduit principle” I mean, God gives us abundance, not so that we can hoard, or squander, but rather, act as the means to helping those in need and advancing the Kingdom.
In that same epistle the Apostle Paul wrote:
8 If we have food and [a]covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction. (1 Timothy 6)
That is a warning to us who live in a materialistic culture. We have a distinct tendency to hoard and squander what God has blessed us with. My prayer for you and me this morning is this: Lord, may the Spirit of God convict us as to how we handle material blessings. Remind us often that we are not living for the few years of earthly existence, but rather, we are preparing a “good foundation for the future… enduring riches” in heaven. Help us never to lose sight of the fact that we are “conduits” not consumers. For Christ and His kingdom. Amen
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