You are either a slave to money or money is your slave.
Many believers in the western world, unfortunately, are controlled by the financial system for mere survival. Exchanging most of the working days in a job they hate just to pay their bills.
In the ‘Master of Money’ financial audio series by Pastor Sunday Adelaja reveals why the lack of money and the need of depending on a job is what robs most of us of living a fulfilled life and realizing our God-given visions.
Adelaja also explained that contrary to popular beliefs, that it’s not the wealthy that are slaves to money but the employees who work for them.
Why?
Because wealthy people create systems where their money works for them making them independent from trading their precious time for money. If the rich choose to work, they focus on their passion not solely on a salary. Whereas the middle class usually work with the motivation of receiving pay cheques.
One of the reasons many individuals suffer financially in the body of Christ is the misunderstanding of the Bible, believing “money is the root of evil” when instead 1 Timothy 6:10 states, “the love of money is the root of evil.” I’m sure the devil rejoices when many of us believe the lie that it’s noble to be poor, misinterpreting scripture and living in ignorance.
The truth is if you want to be free, you must decide to no longer be dependent on the financial system, Proverbs 22:7, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender.”
In ‘Master of Money’ Adelaja believes that we must aspire to become financially free, with a minimum of 1 million USD for Kingdom purposes.
10 Reasons Why Christians Need Not Be Poor
1. Financial freedom gives you time
Apart from salvation and then your mind, time is your most precious asset. Why is time so important? Because time is the resource we need to turn our hopes into manifestation. If you can manage your time, you can manage your life.
2. Financial freedom gives you the ability to follow your passion full time
Many do not realize their dreams due to not escaping the rate race of life. The urgency to pay bills is why you can see a talented, gifted musician work as an accountant. Unfortunately, droves of people only realise this mishap when they’ve reached an old age and no longer have the energy and passion for pursuing their dreams.
3. Financial freedom is a protection for the family
Although we put our trust in God, we shouldn’t abandon the importance of building financial security for our loved ones. Building a financial foundation is an excellent stability tool to enrich the lives of our family.
Proverbs 13:22, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
4. Financial freedom gives you the ability to alleviate poverty in a big way
According to dosomething.org, more than 1.3 billion live in extreme poverty, living on less than $1.25 a day. Although it’s impossible to eradicate poverty single handily, you can play a small role in becoming a major pillar in resolving problems in third world countries from, building schools, water facilities, building systems that offer enterprise opportunities to empower the unfortunate.
Remember, people who live generously are blessed, Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
5. Being financial free can lead to living a fulfilled life
Ask yourself this, how happier would you be if you never had to worry about how to pay your bills?
Imagine a life where you can focus on what is more important such as your walk with God, positively impacting humanity and working on your passion.
6. Living financial free increases your devotional time with God
Financial freedom gives you the ability to build a more intimate relationship with God. Whereas if you are pressurized by bills and a never-ending increase of living cost, this causes many to only give God small pieces of their daily lives.
7. Financial freedom enables you to sponsor the gospel financially
Many talented individuals are looking to communicate the gospel in creative ways, from street choirs to youth leaders, but many are quick to stop their Godly projects due to lack of funding. Being financially free will give you the ability to sponsor causes that resonate with your heart.
A perfect example is a legendary inventor of earthmoving machinery and businessman named R.G LeTourneau, who was instrumental in funding evangelist Billy Graham at the start of his life in ministry.
8. Financial freedom keeps you from working under a boss who does not share your values
Most people’s actions are controlled and dictated by their employers. Not everyone needs to be an entrepreneur in life, but should still have a option on who they choose to work with. It’s staggering the number of times I’ve heard employees complain about their boss, causing them to work in misery.
9. Living financially free is a vehicle to get you faster to your goal
The combination of time and money are powerful resources to take you to your goal faster. Let’s be honest; it cost to hire talent, take courses, and seek guidance from top notch professionals.
10. Lack of money stops you from speaking the truth
So many Christians live as closet Christians, unwilling to share his or her faith due to fear of losing their job, and losing their jobs means income and livelihood. But those who are financially free feel more confident to express their mind and not conform to their work place.
The lack of money causes anxiety
Living a life of debt can be crippling and burdensome. This dire situation is why many commit suicide, spiral in their health, and why many loving marriages to break down.
If you find yourself scarce, don’t be discouraged; where there is a will, there is a way. I would highly recommend ‘Master of Money’ by Pastor Sunday; he turned 200 people who were down and out, alcoholics, and drug addicts into millionaires.