As I have grappled with how to minister with poverty all around me, here are some principles that I have compiled from many different sources. Our college graduates have received them as well as the young people in our youth group. The earthy wording–both loose enough to use and solid enough to convey the truth–is not intended for critical review, but it should put the economic cookies on a lower shelf.<\/p>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0God gave us money to show that money is not our god, God is our God.
\n2.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Wealth can be created.
\n3.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0The government cannot create wealth; only businesses can create wealth.
\n4.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0The earth has enough wealth for everyone if people want to work to create it.
\n5.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Wealth grows slowly. It takes several generations for a nation to become wealthy.
\n6.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Work is good.
\n7.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Men have to learn how to work because we are all naturally lazy.
\n8.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0If fathers teach their children to work hard, the country can be rich.
\n9.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0The gospel of Jesus Christ should make us hard workers.
\n10.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Christians should never waste time, effort, money, tools, or knowledge.
\n11.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0We can create wealth more quickly if we learn and use logic.
\n12.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Prices are set by all the businesses trying to sell more than the other businesses.
\n13.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0When government controls prices, it makes other things more expensive.
\n14.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0A smaller government is better for the economy than a larger one.
\n15.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Poverty comes from sin, lack of tools, and natural disasters.
\n16.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Sin is the greatest cause of poverty.
\n17.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Of all the sins, laziness creates poverty the most quickly.
\n18.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Tools can create wealth quickly.
\n19.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Since man is sinful, the government should not give money to poor people.
\n20.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0If a sinner gets money from the government, he will learn to avoid work.
\n21.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0God owns everything, but He loans it to man for a little while.
\n22.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Christian men provide for the needs of their wives and children.
\n23.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Biblical fatherhood has an immediate and powerful impact on the economy.
\n24.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Christians should give their money generously, happily, and wisely.
\n25.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Every church should provide for its own pastor, missionaries, and widows.
\n26.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Self-control is the greatest key to handling finances.
\n27.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Saving a little money for a long time is the best way to get what you want.
\n28.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Don\u2019t spend money if you don\u2019t have it.
\n29.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Many companies tempt Christians to break the 10th commandment.
\n30.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Money can make us happier in eternity, if we spend it well.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As I have grappled with how to minister with poverty all around me, here are some principles that I have compiled from many different sources. Our college graduates have received them as well as the young people in our youth … Continue reading