You Were Created to Be Productive
By Rick Warren
“Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth”(Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV).
The Bible says in Deuteronomy 8:18, “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (NIV).
Every economy, including here in America, has wealth makers and wealth takers. You have wealth producers and wealth users, wealth contributors and wealth consumers. The economy gets turned upside down when there are more consumers than there are contributors. That’s what’s happening right now in America.
Yet God designed us to create wealth, to produce wealth; he designed us to be productive people. God wants you to be productive, and his plan for your life includes wealth creation — not wealth redistribution.
Let me explain the difference between capitalism, communism, and Christianity.
Capitalism says, “What’s mine is mine, and I’m going to keep it.” Communism says, “What’s yours is mine, and I have a right to take it.” That’s called redistribution of wealth.
But Christianity says, “What’s mine is really God’s, and I’m willing to share it.”
God wants us to provide benefits, services, and protection to others. He wants us to create opportunities to help people.
When somebody taxes you to help the poor, you don’t get any credit for it. But when you are voluntarily generous and help others, that builds your character. It helps you grow. Becoming more productive and generous helps you to become more like Christ.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>
Talk It Over
How does the work you do create opportunities to help other people?
Is it easier for you to be generous with your time or with your money? Why do you think this is so?
What financial goals has your family set? What are you working toward?
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Building My Life on Values That Last Complete Audio Series
Learn how to make life-changing choices
Each day, you have to make important life choices—How am I going to think, speak, and act?
Many people struggle with making the best choices—because they’re taking their cues from the wrong people and living by values that are at odds with God’s values.
Pastor Rick Warren shares the practical advice you need to make life-giving moral choices in his complete audio series, Building My Life on Values That Last.
You’ll be inspired and empowered with messages that include…
• Choosing My Standards
• Accepting Responsibility
• Developing Trust
• Developing Self-Control
• The Balanced Life
• Showing Respect
• Offering Forgiveness
• Maintaining Moral Purity
• Showing Fairness
The Building My Life on Values That Last complete audio series is available as boxed 9-CD set or by high quality MP3 and it’s our gift to thank you for your donation today to help more people learn, love, and live the Word with Daily Hope. So please request your copy it when you give today.
May this resource help you make life-changing choices and embrace a new future of hope!
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
