Friday, July 1, 2016

Biblical Worldview vs Profitable Worldview

A Biblical worldview will deliver you from the deception of a profitable worldview. There are several examples in the Bible of the stark contrast between these two worldviews. In Luke 21:1-4 you find the occasion of the poor widow who put in the offering box her two cooper coins, worth less than penny each. Jesus said that she put in more than the others who were putting in much more money than she, but lacked something that she had; a different worldview.

The widow could see something greater than her money; her faith and gratitude for God was greater than all her possessions. She was rich in faith and thankfulness and did not hesitate to give all she had to express her joy with God. Being able to see the greatness and provision of God in your life is the result of a Biblical worldview. Gratitude is the fruit of faith and joy is the combination of both. None of these are given partially, only completely, which she did.

Another example of a Biblical worldview in contrast to a profitable worldview is seen in the Old Testament in the life of king David. Saying that he had a Biblical worldview is an understatement! One of the occasions where this is seen so clearly is when the Philistines had taken possession of David's hometown of Bethlehem in 2 Samuel 23:13-17. David longed for a drink from the well by the gate of Bethlehem and three of his mighty men fought their way through the Philistine garrison, drew the water, and gave it to David, their king. David would not drink it, but poured it out before the Lord. The value of the water was seen in the sacrifice of the men who gave it to David who then saw a greater purpose for it than for himself. He gave it to God as an act of worship.

Every time a person takes a tenth of their regular income and gives it to the Lord with faith, gratitude, and joy they are expressing a Biblical worldview in contrast to a profitable worldview. It is utter blasphemy to a profitable worldview to tithe with faith, gratitude, and joy. The only way you can worship God with your possessions is to see the greater purpose for them than keeping them for yourself or even for others. A Biblical worldview allows you to see the greatness and generosity of God above everyone and everything in your life combined.

As you faithfully follow what the Bible presents to you as a way to honor God with your possessions (tithing), you will give all you have (like the widow) over a ten year period, and then you can do it all over again, and again! Week by week, month by month, year by year. Hallelujah.