June 13, 2010
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CNN has a show entitled American Greed in which stories of corruption in business are shown. The tireless point seems to be that capitalism itself is corrupt; a left-leaning philosophy used to justify a larger, socialistic government. See Spiritual Roots of Capitalism and a book Harold Eberle just released, Compassionate Capitalism for a more balanced view. Greed is a Biblical term, one of the seven deadly sins, as you will recall, which embodies the self-indulgent concept of seeking something to consume on our own personal lusts. Ye
ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon
your lusts. James 4:3 KJV
The very premise of releasing Kings is the idea that God’s Kingdom is built by people willing to possess wealth and power. Kings are not only willing, but motivated and competent in multiplying wealth and wielding power through business, investments and positions of influence. Our examples are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, David and Solomon. Listen to Genesis 12:2-3 and how Jacob lived out those promises (our promises). "I
will make you into a great nation and
I will bless you (wealth); I will make your name great
(power), and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who
bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be
blessed through you (ministry to others)."
Gen 12:2-3 NIV
Isaac
planted crops in that land and the
same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed
him. 13 The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he
became very wealthy. 14 He had so many flocks and herds and servants
that the Philistines envied him. Gen 26:12-15 NIV
I have no issues with declaring the evils of greed and materialism. I rejoice when righteousness prevails and corruption is exposed in our society. However, our focus is so totally on the bad that we’ve lost sight of the good. Godly Ambition - You see, there really is such a thing as holy desire and Godly ambition. We were designed to have dreams, hopes, and aspirations that give birth to zeal and passion and enthusiasm. While greed is purely selfish, the exact same desires can be deployed for the Kingdom to bless the nations. Kings can convert money into ministry. There are two obstacles: In the
church, we have little concept of pursuing our heart’s
desire. The emphasis is on “thou shalt not’s.” We say we have a
personal relationship with Jesus, but it is often a list of spiritual
principles instead of a working relationship. We can’t decide if we
should be ashamed of ambition or filled with it. See prior
newsletter;
a must read on ambition!
In society, we have no word for holy ambition. I can’t think of a word that embraces the concept of “good greed.” We are death on the negative aspects of greed and materialism, but we have no equivalent enthusiasm for the positive use of desire and drive. “Competitive” has also been cast in a negative light… a trait for which Paul was famous. “Zeal” isn’t commonly used in modern english and one synonym is fanaticism! Go for it - God loves people who are bold, ambitious, and competitive regarding the desires of their hearts. That is how the Kingdom is built. That is how we possess our spiritual and natural inheritance. Prayer without action won’t do it. The lifestyle of Kings is having goals, working hard, creating ideas that produce wealth and influence, blessing people, and having fun. With a Kingly mentality we naturally gravitate to success in every mountain (business, government, the arts, media, and education). It’s a “success” that is favored by God and enabled by the Holy Spirit to bless the nations. It’s a success that represents the fruit of the natural desires that God put in our hearts. That’s why it’s fun! We’re doing what we enjoy. And, it naturally produces ministry in the marketplace. Correcting greed – I want to suggest that greed is often a mis-directed desire intended only for personal consumption. If I find a businessman with greed, the easiest way to help him is to connect him with the Father and with his purpose in the Kingdom. We simply identify the Godly desire hidden in his greed. It really is more fun to give than to receive. The paradox is that God is generous – He wants to go beyond the goals of our greed (immeasurably more)! Once we discover the ministry motive, we are blessed at even greater levels… “Give and it shall be given.” If I am really “greedy,” I will be motivated to be “really Godly.” When I put God and His Kingdom first, He puts me first. Now
to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us… Eph 3:20 NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matt 6:33-34 NIV Permission – Can you hear what God is saying? He’s inviting you to pursue the desires of your heart. He’s inviting you to believe that you will find blessing there; a cup so full that you can bless others. It’s OK for Kings to be zealous and enthusiastic about multiplying wealth and converting it into ministry. God, Himself, is behind that fervor. It’s time to join the party. Honor one
another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your
spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Rom 12:10-11 NIV
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rom 12:11 KJV
Desire to Destiny is available now at our store along with reviews. Not sure what your dream is? This book will help you pull the curtain back on your future. Newsletter - If your newsletter comes incomplete (filtered), you can always catch the latest version in our archive along with 200 others. 1800+ people from around the world get Kingly encouragement from our weekly newsletter. Invite a friend to subscribe - they will be blessed. How to Start a Small Group - Kings are increasingly getting involved in Bible study or mentoring groups to facilitate their "Release." Here are some helpful suggestions www.Releasing-Kings.com/Starting-a-Group.html. We've also updated our Vision Brochure with graphics to show how to become a King and how you can help Release Kings. Lastly we've created a guideline to help you take your dream to the next level by considering the elements of a business plan. See Write Your Business Plan. French Translation - Releasing Kings is now available in French thanks to the efforts of Cees Bakker and Support Ministries in the Netherlands. In France, copies can be obtained from Editions Menor or Librairie Chretienne CLC. The Title in French is “Libération des Rois pour le ministère dans le monde du travail”. Cees is also the guy who made the Dutch translation possible - available through his website. He can be contacted for Releasing Kings conferences in France and throughout Europe. Facebook - I'm posting more information on Face book at http://www.facebook.com/john.garfield1
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