How To See Wealth as Opportunity Instead of Entitlement
“Radical” by David Platt
I’ve been working through a challenging book by pastor and author, David Platt. The book is titled, “Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream.” I’m not sure that I really know how to best describe it, other than explaining what has been stirring inside of me.
It’s so easy to get used to ‘Christian’ life in Western society. We might not directly say it, but we have this underlying position that as ‘God-fearing’ Westerners, we are entitled to all the blessings we receive.
Platt’s book has caused me to consider the possibility that we may have been blessed with so much because we desperately need to learn how to give.
Instead of entitlement, it’s an opportunity.
This is related to the real reason, that we need to give. Platt has shown me the availability and opportunities that can abound to share the Gospel when we start with giving or sharing in some way. Our generosity or our choice to be generous can spark something deep inside of us, that expands into Gospel impact.
You should go get the book and be challenged as well. Here’s a brief clip to promote the Radical book and concept. I’m sure that it’ll provoke quite a bit of thought and emotion.
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts:
- Does Western society see our wealth as entitlement or opportunity?
- Do we really understand how much we have?
- How much is wasted versus how much is used for Gospel impact?
This reminds me of Gen. 12:1-3. God is speaking to Abram and tells him that He will bless Abram….But….with that blessing comes an opportunity. Verse 2b says, “And you shall be a blessing.” Verse 3B says, “And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” The promise is fulfilled at “the end of the story” in Rev. 5:9, “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to Go by Your blood; Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation….” God chose to bless Abram so that the people groups, tribes, nations of the earth would be drawn to Him. Yes, the blessings that we receive are an opportunity….not an entitlement. Good post, Jeremy!
Thanks for your response Francie! Great thoughts from Genesis and Revelation. I believe Abram understood the great opportunity (not entitlement) that was received when an abundance of blessings from the Lord was given. As the years passed, many of his descendants (much like many of us today) had forgotten that great opportunity. Thanks to David Platt, I have been reminded and revived! Thanks for your encouragement and support as I continue to interact with my life and ministry through this media.