Why are we wealthy? On becoming a collaborative community

David Denmark, executive director of the Maclellan Foundation, is a strong believer in inspiring and empowering people to become givers. He has an exciting vision for the ways that Christian givers around the world can join forces to fund the expansion of God’s kingdom.

So when we received this question, “How do you collaborate with other funders/foundations?” David was the first person we thought to ask.

But before he got to the how of collaboration, he thought it was important, first, to ask, “Why do some of us even have wealth?”

Below is David’s response.

Scripture: Why are you wealthy?

In Deuteronomy 8, Moses talks with the people, in order to prepare their hearts to receive God’s blessings found in the Promise Land.

Moses tells them that they will soon possess cities and vineyards and herds of animals. They are going to become wealthy. And then he gives them this encouragement:

Beware lest you say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth. You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the power and ability to get wealth, that he may confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”

This is a fascinating Scripture. God told his people that they were going to be wealthy, and that it would be a good thing. He was preparing them ahead of time to recognize the wealth they were about to receive didn’t come from them. It was a gift and a responsibility.

How can you apply this? Try this:

Search the Scriptures and ask, “Why am I wealthy?”

If you’re like me, you’ve probably said, “God blessed me with wealth.” I don’t think that is entirely accurate. You are wealthy because you are smart, you worked harder than most people, you had the guts to stick it out during the hard times, and you had favor over your competition. That is why you are wealthy. But, it was the Lord who gave you your brain, your work ethic, your guts, and the favor. Here’s the distinction. God did not give you wealth. He gave you the ability to make wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18opens in a new tab).

So here’s the question I want to propose: Why you? Why weren’t you born blind in a village in Brazil? You could have still had a great life, but it would have been a different life. Why were you given these unique abilities in this unique place where you live in this unique time?

With 100 million other Christians who do not have your brains, your work ethic, your guts, and the same opportunities and favor that you have. Why you? We know it isn’t that God loves you more than anyone else. He loves all his children. And this isn’t some weird guilt trip I’m sending you on. It’s actually a very exciting question to ponder. You were hand-picked by God to become wealthy. That’s amazing, and radically encouraging. But why did he do it? What does he want you to do with it?

I think the answer is different for each of us. But one thing I believe we all have in common can be learned from Deuteronomy 8. We worked for it, but we still wouldn’t have it if God hadn’t chosen to give it to us. So now what? What should we do when we realize God chose us to create wealth?

Celebrate that God confirms his covenant through your wealth

God gives us the ability to make wealth for the purpose of confirming some covenantal promise he has made. What promise has God spoken over your family? What covenant has he spoken over the place where you live? And how do you honor that covenant by making something of what you’ve been given, using the talents you have (Matthew 25:14-30opens in a new tab)? Our wealth is destined to confirm those covenants and honor God.

Enjoy the wealth he has given you with others

I believe we’re supposed to enjoy our wealth. And one of the best ways to enjoy it is to find a God’s purpose for it. A great way to discover that purpose is to gather together with other people who’ve also been chosen to make wealth for God’s purposes. Jesus said that wherever two or more were gathered in his name, he would be with them (Matthew 18:20opens in a new tab). Extraordinary, supernatural things can happen when believers come together to discuss what it means to use our wealth to confirm a covenant made by God and glorify him.

Generosity Path

Generosity Path operates globally, sharing the biblical message of generosity. We help those whom God has entrusted with much as they host conversations about the joy and freedom that flow from a life generously lived.

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