The Secret to Wealth

The Secret to Wealth- such a book would be an instant bestseller for everyone wants to be rich. Some, in desperation, pursue get-rich-quick schemes or illegal activities. Most follow the fundamental investing principle based on the benefits of compound interest. We save our money for it to grow and increase. It is also God‘s desire for us to prosper and increase. But His pathway includes a seemingly contradictory principle. Instead of "Save and it shall increase," God‘s principle is "Give and you shall receive."

God has created the earth with all its resources and he does not need money, tithes or any earthly item from human beings. However he wants us to be partners with him in accomplishing his purposes for the human race. By using money wisely, in accordance with God‘s purpose, we work together with God.

God does not want us to give money or anything else cavalierly and without understanding. His desire is for his people, operating according to his pattern, to manage and distribute wealth wisely. He clearly indicates that we should give after careful thought and planning, not at the temporary tug of an emotional appeal or in response to psychological manipulation. (2 Corinthians 9:7). To give accurately and intelligently, we need to be growing in our understanding of God‘s purpose and the particular part he wants us to play in his plan.

Everything God does and commands is infused with issues of right character. He has established his financial system of giving and receiving in such a way that if we truly understand and operate in it we can prosper while being delivered from the love of money. God‘s nature is to give freely and abundantly and he desires that we should operate in that same spirit. In fact , he indicates that our right attitude in giving is a test of our character. (2 Corinthians 8:8; 9:13). For most people, contribution of finances is an indication of the genuineness of their speaking.

In addition to enabling us to be partners with God‘s purpose, giving in accordance with his directions is planting a seed with the potential for phenomenal growth. God tells us that we will prosper in every way, both spiritually and naturally.

Our giving, therefore, is also for our own benefit. It provides an opening or a door through which God can then channel His blessings to us. Indeed, God challenges us to test Him and prove this principle. He promised that the return would be too much for us even to count (Malachi 3:10).

Giving extends beyond the concept of tithing, the giving of one tenth of all earnings and possessions. Jesus chastised the religious leaders of his time for focusing on ritual tithing of everything, including the smallest herbs and spices. They were so focused on fulfilling an obligation that they neglected the more important matter of a right relationship with God (Matthew 23:23).

This principle of giving to receive applies to all resources we possess; time, skill, abilities, and the like. If we invest our skill and time faithfully and conscientiously in the furtherance of God‘s plan, we will receive increased resources in return. Jesus said it plainly-Give and it shall be given unto you (Luke 6:37) Our return will be measurable and abundant. The secret to wealth is thus revealed in God‘s word. The more we give towards God‘s purpose and according to his directions, the more we shall receive in return.