Prosperity Stewardship andor Vow of Poverty

[saved_by_grace (saved_by_grace)]

Which is correct or are elements of all correct?

[marie (marie)]

Stewardship applies to everyone.
Prosperity or vow of poverty is dependent on what God has called you to.

[saved_by_grace (saved_by_grace)]

OK, here is a stupid selfish question. What about spending a bunch of money on getting a doctorate when you are in your 40s? Is this selfish? How does a person know if they should or should not do this because the money could easily be spent for the cause of Christ? God doesn't generally speak to me so I doubt that He will give me an answer that way.

This may sound stupid but I have been struggling with this question for over a year now. I started the doctorate then we had a major acquisition at work. I had to play like I was an attorney for about a year and now things are settling down and I am doing my real job. I have taught in college settings for what seems like close to 10 years now. And my peers who teach keep encouraging me to get the doctorate. The selfish side of me wants it but I don't know if it is right.

Sorry for the childish question but I really don't know what I should do.

[lc_20 (lc_20)]

saved-by-grace - I just applied for a PhD program myself (in my 40s)... I think it is a wonderful idea and I am really hoping I get accepted. Why do you think this is selfish? I feel like I have done all I can do with my masters career-wise and I need more education to be able to do my job better. And why don't you think spending money on yourself isn't one of the causes of Christ?? It is all about using what God gave us to the best of our ability... stewardship. Here is a thought for you - what if you decided not to go back to school and you gave all your money to the church... I would think God would see that as the same as the guy who burried his one talent - the wicked servent. It is always easier to give away your money than to work with it yourself for God's purposes. Investing in yourself is a great thing - the outcome can only be an increased ability for you to be able to do more for others. I vote - do it!!

[doug (doug)]

If I get an idea and God doesn't stop me I go ahead with it. If it's just fear or nagging doubts and not a clear understanding it may not be God at all telling you to give all that money to those ministries or whatever.

[overseas (overseas)]

Sounds like a problem of God guidance in our lives. What I discovered is that we are called many times to make decisions as christians and take the consequences. If your motivations for study is greed then it is wrong. If you want to do it for being quality professionals or you need more to support your family then it is good. God does not give us a 'special christian ear' to her His voice, but His words are in the Bible and studying Bible gives us a holy mind and character to make holy decisions. There may be many legitimate options from which we have to make our decision. This is not incompatible with God guiding us.

[saved_by_grace (saved_by_grace)]

Thanks for your responses. My motivation is somewhat wanting to stretch myself and I guess there is a bit of pride in that (not so much greed though because financially I don't see it bringing in a windfall). I also would like to have something to do as a retirement career but not sure that it is worth the cost of the education. Whatever I do this or anything else, I want it to give back to others.

I have thought about the "talents" issue but I am trying to weigh that and compare it with the "rich young ruler" issue. He was told to sell all. I am thinking that this really means to place Christ first in your life but have heard others say differently.

Any thoughts?

[lc_20 (lc_20)]

My understanding is that Rich young ruler felt he owned the money he had vs stewardship. The people in the story of the talents knew they were working with the money the master entrusted to them. My concern with giving money to the church these days is that I am not sure it is being used for God's purposes. You could be giving all your education money to a nice necklace for someone's wife.

[marie (marie)]

WE <u>ARE</u> THE CHURCH!!

[just_curious (just_curious)]

Amen, Marie! "Giving to the church" has become somewhat of a copout, in my opinion. If you are using your money, time &amp; talents for God's glory, you are being a good steward. And that may mean never giving a cent to an organized group (whether a local fellowship or an international missions board)! Conversely, you may give a bundle to "the church" and not be glorifying God or furthering his kingdom at all!

[overseas (overseas)]

The truth that we are the church is also parallel with the universal preisthood mandate and the spiritual gifts given to each believer to minister.

[saved_by_grace (saved_by_grace)]

Thank you all for your responses. My questioning came about for several reasons.

1. I know I can be a better steward than I currently am.

2. Someone made the comment that God did not want any one to be rich and I feel that most of us in the US are rich compared to much of the world. At the same time I also feel that God has given us these riches (not that a non-believer cannot be rich). I understand that every good thing comes from God.

3. I sometimes question about overindulging in certain things or going on a special vacation like to Honolulu (which I will be doing soon).

I guess the problem is I have to realize I will not be perfect and will make mistakes along the way.

I will also say that I am for giving to ministries, missionaries, and charities but I think it is very important to provide for your local church more than any of these things.

God bless,

[yaakov (yaakov)]

<font color="0000ff">My motivation is somewhat wanting to stretch myself and I guess there is a bit of pride in that (not so much greed though because financially I don't see it bringing in a windfall). I also would like to have something to do as a retirement career but not sure that it is worth the cost of the education. Whatever I do this or anything else, I want it to give back to others.</font>

Saved-by-grace, here's a point you may have missed. Doctorate degrees and other education enables a person to increase their salaries. With your new education and presumed increased income, you will be able to give an even larger periodic tithe to your church.