Grow with the Flow: Principles of Wealth (Matthew 13:22)

Matthew 13:22 speaks of the "... deceitfulness of riches..."

RICHES

The focus of this study is on the word translated "riches", in the KJV.

It is important, that as Believers, we have a healthy, and biblical perspective concerning how God views wealth and finances.

This word has two meanings:

1) FIRST, there is a very literal, and primary meaning which refers to a super abundance of material possessions of every kind.

2) SECONDLY, there is a figurative meaning of the wealth; richness; or abundance... of something.

ORIGIN

The origin of this word, gives a very visual and practical view of both the figurative and literal meanings of the word.

The root of this word means "to flow", much like a healthy river, flowing into a larger body of water. This "flow" produces the result of "filling to the full". The literal meaning meant "to be filled full with material possessions". Specifically, it is a constant flow, that continually fills to the full, so that there is never any concern of shortage.

WEALTH

In classical Greek, the word meant a state of life in which no work is required. [It does not suggest that work was not required to get to that state].

The Greeks viewed wealth as positive or negative, according to it's effect on society, as a whole.

They saw these advantages and disadvantages:

POSITIVE:

1) Wealth makes life easier to live.

2) Wealth affords greater opportunity for personal development, and the overall development of society.

3) Wealth makes it easier to give to meet the needs of those who have fewer resources and possessions [the poor].

4) Wealth can be used to increase social well-being.

NEGATIVE:

1) Those without wisdom use wealth wrongly, often to the long term detriment of themselves and others.

2) Even those with wisdom, can succumb to the temptation of trusting in the uncertainty, and sometimes transient nature of wealth, rather than God.

Overall, wealth was viewed as very positive because it could improve culture, since those who possessed it, were liberated from the need to work, and could thus focus on other more beneficial pursuits for society, and their own personal dedication to self improvement [morally, ethically etc.,]. 

OLD TESTAMENT

In the OT, the word is used 180 times, 93, or approximately half, of the uses are found in the wisdom literature.

There are three common themes in the OT concerning wealth:  

1) Wealth is a gift from God. [He is the giver of wealth].

2) Wealth places an obligation on those possessing it, to help those in need. [i.e., those that don't possess it].

3) Wealth is seen as the result of obeying God.

PERSPECTIVE

Summarizing, even in figurative use, the meaning  is "super abundance", where there is never a shortage, but 'a constant, continuous flow'. [eg., "...the riches of His grace..." (Eph.1:7)].

In it's literal use, the origin of meaning is very helpful. It refers to 'those who have created a steady stream, or multiple rivers [sources], of income', to such an extent, that they are 'filled to the full with the flow'.

What is most important, is that wealth has it's origin in God, since He owns all of it to begin with, and is the creator of all things.

Not everyone is going to be wealthy, nor do all those that possess wealth have a healthy relationship with the Father. Many people accumulate wealth through less than ethical means, but this does not negate those who, in obedience to God, have amassed huge fortunes to benefit themselves and others.

What is important, is that our view of wealth, is not colored by popular opinion, or negative experiences, but rather, that we have God's perspective concerning wealth.

Many may think, that if God would just trust them with wealth, they would do a lot of good in  their area of influence. However, in keeping with the word picture, it is 'the flow of a river, or rivers; streams [of resources] into a larger body of water'. Just basic understanding will tell you, that any large body of water [lake], that doesn't have outlets, as well as inlets, becomes, over time, stagnant, and polluted. 

NEGATIVE / POSITIVE

NEGATIVELY, if you do not have "outlets" that you are giving into now, then you won't give more, percentage wise, just because you have more money. Your giving habits won't change because you have more money.

POSITIVELY, if you truly want an increase in finances, then begin to give financially, to several "outlets", to create room in yourself, for an even greater "flow" of "inlets". Increase your capacity, grow financially, by increasing your giving. Simply put, the healthy "flow", has to have somewhere to go.

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours.