Affluence gives options
Let's face it, more affluence gives people more options.
Affluence is what allows many Americans to dream and achieve the perfect HGTV home, and the picturesque property.
It's also why...
- the spiritual temperature in America has gotten cold.
- there is less commitment to the local church
- even among people who only attend church twice a month, attendance has declined from 34% to 28%. (according to latest statistics)
- people are willing to tip their waiter or waitress 15-20%, but have a hard time giving ("tipping") 10% to their local church.
- giving to foreign missions is only at .1%
Affluence does a good job at revealing who someone really is. It allows us to be more of what we already are.
If we are a greedy, affluence allows us to be more greedy!
If we are humble servants of God, affluence allows us to give more of our finances to God. It's why obedient, affluent Christians use their money to cheerfully give to God's work, while carnal Christians use their money in obedience to their own bellies. (Romans 16:18)
Remember, affluence doesn't make a person, a family, a community, or a nation: righteousness does!
Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
A right heart, will cause us to do what's right, with the affluence God has blessed us with.