How do I manage poverty, wealth, and material needs with a heavenly mindset?

Ralph Estep Jr.:
00:00

Are you struggling to balance your financial needs with your spiritual life? Are you wondering how to manage wealth or poverty while keeping your eyes on heaven? Well, stay tuned today as we dive into this crucial topic on today's Ask Ralph show.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
00:21

Picture this: you're standing at the pearly gates, and St. Peter asks, "How did you handle your earthly treasures?" Will your answer make you proud or leave you wishing for a do-over? Today, we're going to explore how to navigate the tricky waters of material needs with spiritual growth.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
00:44

Before we jump in, let's take a quick glance at yesterday's show. Remember, we talked about how walking is not just a way to get from point A to point B but a fantastic form of fitness that's accessible to almost everyone. So let's keep those steps up.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
01:05

Well, what do you know, it looks like we got a message from our website.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
01:08

Hi Ralph, this is Bella from Oklahoma. I've been listening to your show for months now, and I'm really struggling with something. I'm a small business owner, and lately, my company has been doing really well. I should be excited, but instead, I feel guilty. Is it wrong for a Christian to be wealthy? How can I balance my financial success with my faith?

Ralph Estep Jr.:
01:31

Well, Bella, thank you so much for your message. That's a fantastic question, and it's actually right in line with our topic for today. So stick around because we're going to deep dive into this very issue. Welcome, everyone. I'm your host Ralph, and I want to thank each and every one of you for tuning in today. Whether you're listening while you're commuting, maybe doing chores, or taking a relaxing Sunday stroll, I am grateful for your company.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
02:01

Now before we dig into today's meaty topic, let's turn to the good book for some wisdom. In 1 Timothy chapter 6, verses 17 to 19, it says this: "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

Ralph Estep Jr.:
02:46

This verse is packed with guidance on how we should approach wealth and material possessions. It's like a spiritual GPS for navigating the treacherous waters of worldly riches.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
03:00

So let's unpack this and address Bella's question while we're at it. First off, Bella, I want you to know that it's not wrong for a Christian to be wealthy. In fact, throughout the Bible, we see examples of godly people who were blessed with abundance—think of Abraham, Job, or even King Solomon. The issue isn't wealth itself but our attitude towards it and how we use it.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
03:27

Now, I remember when I first started my business. It was just me at the dining room table with a whole lot of prayer. I was working 18-hour days, barely scraping by, and constantly asking God, "Is this really what you want from me?" Well, fast forward a few years, and suddenly things started to take off. I found myself in a position similar to yours, Bella. I had more money than I'd ever had before, and I felt this gnawing guilt every time I looked at my bank account. But here's what I learned, and what I want all of you listening to understand: God doesn't call us to poverty any more than He promises us riches. What He calls us to is good stewardship.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
04:11

Think about it this way: if you have a talent for singing, would you feel guilty about having a beautiful voice? Of course, you wouldn't. You'd use that voice to bring joy to others and glorify God. Well, if you have a talent for business or if you've been blessed with financial success, that's just another gift from God. The question is, how are you going to use it?

Ralph Estep Jr.:
04:35

This brings us back to our verse. Paul tells Timothy to instruct wealthy believers to do three things. Number one, don't be arrogant. Number two, don't put your hope in wealth. And number three, be generous and do good. So let's break these things down one by one.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
04:56

First, don't be arrogant. This means recognizing that your wealth isn't solely the result of your own efforts. Yes, you worked hard, you made smart decisions, and you put the hours in. But you also had opportunities that others might not have had. You've had the health to work, the mind to think, and the circumstances that allowed your business to thrive. All of these are blessings from God. I remember meeting a fellow entrepreneur at a conference once. This guy had just sold his tech startup for millions, and boy was he full of himself. He kept talking about how he was a self-made man and how anyone could do what he did if they just worked hard enough. I couldn't help but think, "Brother, you're missing the point entirely." None of us are truly self-made. We all stand on the shoulders of others, and ultimately all good things come from God. So whether you're scraping by or swimming in success, remember to stay humble and stay grateful.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
06:01

Second, don't put your hope in wealth. This is crucial. Money is a tool, not a savior. It can solve some problems, sure, but it can't give you peace. It can't give you joy, and it certainly will not give you eternal life. Only God can do that. I've seen too many people, Christians included, who start to treat their bank accounts like a security blanket. They think, "Well, as long as I have X amount of dollars, I'll be okay." But here's the thing: money can and will disappear in an instant. The stock market can crash. A natural disaster can wipe out your business. Or a medical emergency can drain your savings. I'm not saying this to scare you but to remind you that our true security comes from God, not our financial statements. When we put our hope in wealth, we're building our house on sand. But when we put our hope in God, we're building on solid rock.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
07:02

And finally, be generous and do good. This is where the rubber meets the road. If God has blessed you with wealth, He has given you a powerful tool to bless others and further His kingdom. Now listen, I'm not saying you need to give away everything you own. Remember, the verse we've read talks about those who are rich in this present world. It assumes that believers can have wealth, but it calls us to be rich in good deeds as well.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
07:31

So what does this look like in practice, you might be asking? Well, it might mean supporting your local church or a mission organization. It could mean setting up a scholarship fund for underprivileged kids in your community. Or it might be as simple as being more generous with your tips or helping out a neighbor who's fallen on hard times.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
07:51

I remember a few years back, I heard about a single mom in our church who was struggling to pay her rent. I could have just written a check and been done with it. But instead, I sat down with her. I looked over her budget and helped her find ways to increase her income and reduce her expenses. Yes, I did help her out financially in the short term. But more importantly, I used my business knowledge to help her improve her long-term financial situation. That's what I mean by being rich in good deeds. It's not just about throwing money at problems. It's about using all the resources God has given you—your skills, your time, your connections, and yes, your money—to make a positive impact in the world.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
08:39

Now let's flip the script for a moment. What if you're on the other end of the spectrum? What if you're struggling financially and wondering how to maintain a heavenly mindset in the face of true poverty? First off, I want you to know that God sees you. He loves you and He hasn't forgotten you. Poverty is not a punishment, and wealth is not always a reward. Some of the godliest people I know have very little in terms of material possessions.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
09:09

Remember, Jesus Himself said, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." That's from Luke chapter 6, verse 20. This doesn't mean that poverty itself is a blessing, but rather that those who are poor often find it easier to depend on God and seek His kingdom first. If you're struggling financially, here are a few practical steps you can take. Pray, pray, pray. Bring your needs before God. He cares about every aspect of your life, including your finances. Next, seek wisdom. The Bible is full of financial wisdom. Proverbs, in particular.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
09:50

I talk about this on my show all the time—it has a lot to say about money management.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
09:57

Be a good steward. Even if you have a little, manage it well. Create a budget. Yes, Ralph said create a budget. You know I always say that. Avoid unnecessary debt and look for ways to increase your income. You've got to trust God's provision. Remember the Israelites in the desert; God provided manna each day. You’ve got to trust that God will provide for your needs, even if it's not the way you expect. And keep an eternal perspective.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
10:28

Remember, this world is not our final home. As Paul said, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." That's from 2 Corinthians chapter 4, verse 17. Whether you're wealthy or struggling, the key is to hold loosely to material things and cling tightly to God. Use what you have, whether it's a lot or a little, to serve God and others. That's what it means to manage your finances with a heavenly mindset.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
10:59

Well, our time is almost up. But before we go, let's recap what we've learned today. It's not wrong for Christians to be wealthy, but we need to handle wealth responsibly. Don't be arrogant about your financial success. Remember, all blessings come from God. Don't put your hope in wealth; it's unstable and temporary. Be generous and do good with the resources God has given you.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
11:28

If you're struggling financially, trust in God's provision and seek His wisdom. And finally, regardless of your financial situation, keep an eternal perspective and use what you have to serve God and others. Remember, true wealth isn't measured by the size of your bank account but by the richness of your relationship with God and the impact you make on others.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
11:51

Now, I want to remind you that tomorrow's show we'll be tackling another important financial question: should you get a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit? It's a decision many homeowners face, and we'll be breaking down the pros and cons of each option, so be sure to tune in. And hey, if you found today's episode helpful, why not share it with a friend or family member who might benefit? You never know how God might use your simple act of sharing to bless someone else.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
12:18

Also, don't forget to visit our website at AskRalphPodcast.com and join our community. When you do, you'll get a free copy of my book, Mastering Your Finances. It normally sells for $10 on Amazon, but it's my gift to you for being part of the community. And do me a favor—keep those questions coming. The whole point of the Ask Ralph show is to answer your financial questions from a Christian perspective. So if you've got a burning question about money and faith, don't be shy, send it in.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
12:47

Well, let's close in prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your abundant blessings. Whether we have much or little in terms of material wealth, we recognize that everything we have comes from You. Help us, Lord, to be good stewards of whatever You've entrusted to us. Give us wisdom to manage our finances in a way that honors You. Help us to hold loosely to material things and cling tightly to You, Lord. For those who are struggling financially, we pray for Your provision and guidance.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
13:17

For those who have been blessed with abundance, we pray for generous hearts and opportunities to bless others. In all things, help us to keep our eyes fixed on You and the eternal treasures that await us in heaven. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
13:35

Well, that's all for today, folks. Remember to stay financially savvy, and above all, God bless you too.