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The Enemy's plan to destroy |
God's plan to multiply |
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Consume all |
Consume some |
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Short-term thinking |
Long-term thinking |
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Hoard |
Scatter |
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Destruction |
Abundance |
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Led by fear to maintain |
Led by faith to multiply |
1. Planting Seeds vs. Consuming All
The enemy seeks to hinder us from planting seeds – metaphorically speaking – because he understands the power of God's multiplication (John 10:10).
His strategy is to encourage us to consume everything we earn, offering no room for sowing seeds for future growth.
However, in contrast, 2 Corinthians 9:10 tells us of God's plan: we are to consume some of our earnings but are also encouraged to plant some for further multiplication. The key is to strike a balance between consumption and planting.
2. Long-Term Thinking vs. Short-Term Greed
The enemy would have us think shortsightedly, fixating only on the immediate without giving thought to our future (Proverbs 13:11).
God, however, wants us to envision a much more extended perspective – an eternal one. His word advocates for a disciplined approach where 'whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.' It encourages us to think long term, focusing on stable, gradual growth over fleeting, get-rich-quick schemes.
3. Generosity vs. Hoarding
Another stark contrast between the two plans is how we view our resources. The enemy's plan tempts us to hoard our blessings, to tighten our grip on what we have (Proverbs 11:24).
God, on the other hand, promotes a spirit of generosity and abundance. He wants us to scatter our blessings, understanding that 'there is one who scatters, yet increases the more.'
Our role is to manage what we are given, using some for ourselves and planting some for growth, not taking more than what is rightfully ours.
4. Abundance vs. Destruction
While the enemy's plan is driven by a desire to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), God's plan promises abundance (2 Corinthians 9:8). He assures us that if we align our financial practices with His instructions, we will always have 'an abundance for every good work.'
5. Faith-driven Multiplication vs. Fear-driven Maintenance
Reflecting on the parable of the talents, the enemy's plan persuades us to be led by fear, maintaining what we have instead of risking to gain more. God, however, inspires us to be led by faith to multiply our resources. As in the parable, we ought to emulate the praised servants who risked to multiply their resources rather than the one who, out of fear, buried his talent.
Remember: The battle is His, but we have to show up!
It's crucial that we actively seek God's Kingdom first with our finances, otherwise we might be letting the Enemy gain ground with his plan for our future.
Praying for His leading in your finances as you show up to the fight.
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