Dec 3 2024
In my two previous posts, “From the Riches of the Kingdom” and “Entering the Promised Land” I discussed kingdom finances with an emphasis on giving freely and receiving freely. This is by design; the foundation of a kingdom business is how we steward wealth. When I started these meditations, G-d put Acts 4:32-35 onto my heart. Being led in the business sector, I felt the desire to see the fruits of the Acts church in businesses in the Triangle area.
With Covid, we saw how the government placed protocols that often-isolated businesses from the necessary resources to thrive. Being friends with various small businesses, I was able to see how isolated small businesses were left to ruin but in a community business owners were able to support one another to provide when the world’s system failed them. I have been praying into what a Christian business community looks like sense then.
The Lord has sense highlighted the need to first give before we receive. However, it became absolute clear when I reported to my pastor that I would start an intercessory movement for Christian businesses. His reaction caught me quite off guard. “So, you are warring against the spirit of mammon. It is not a light thing to take on that principality.” I am not new to spiritual warfare, but I’ll admit I had never thought about this prayer movement in that context. But it all made sense. If we were to take territory in the business sector, the greatest spirits we wrestle with are the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10) and the disbelief of G-d as provider (Philippians 4:19); the essence of the spirit of Mammon. Let’s unpack these two concepts:
The Love of Money
It is natural for a keen business owner to desire wealth. As I alluded to in my previous posts, wealth is a blessing that G-d provides. As a tool, our riches can be a source to bless others and expand the kingdom. The kingdom itself is not poor, G-d richly supplies all according to their needs (Philippians 4:9). However, when we get past the concept of provision and see money to elevate our own selfish desires, it becomes sin.
There is a difference between a business stewarding wealth to serve a need versus a business accumulating wealth to buy luxury. This is where I believe the televangelist prosperity gospels fall short. G-d gives abundantly, but for what purpose is that abundance provided? If we see ourselves as stewards of G-d’s business, we can recognize that the possessions we attain are for G-d’s glory and not solely for our prosperity. G-d looks earnestly for those who can be responsible with the wealth that he provides. He calls us to be faithful and wise stewards; we are required to have a strong prayer life and an open ear to his word. (Proverbs 21:20).
The heavenly farmer scatters the seed, the gift and promise of abundance awaiting at our feet (Matthew 13:1-23). However, if our hearts are not tender than the enemy will snatch it away (John 10:10). Hence in terms of spiritual warfare, the enemy will use the love of money to deviate our interest away from our purpose of stewarding that wealth. If we are then so raptured by greed, how can G-d trust us with an increase?
So how can we combat the love of money? The bible illustrates the solution.
In Kevin White’s book Audacious Generosity, White illustrates how through the course of giving we bring freedom to ourselves, others and G-d. To free G-d in his life, White was led to make several adjustments
As he continues in his book, he discussed how through giving, G-d could be revealed as the ultimate provider, allowing us to walk in courage, freedom and power. Giving acts as a sacrifice that dethrones the spirit of mammon freeing us from its bondage.
G-d as Provider
When the enemy cannot trick you into making mammon the G-d of your life, he will settle for making you fear poverty (though he’d prefer to depower us completely by both shackles). Through scripture, G-d has made it abundantly clear that he always provides for his children. To fear poverty is hence a lack of faith in G-d’s provision.
We serve the G-d who can both multiply what has been provided (Matthew 6:32-38) and provide from what is not (1 Kings 19:5-8). Psalms 111:5 states “He has given food to those who fear Him; He will remember His covenant forever.” During our development, we will have a period of walking through the desert. During this time, as we are tested in our faith, it can be easy to believe that G-d has forgotten us or that we are somehow exempt from G-d’s promises. Truly, there is much we can learn regarding gaining territory from the acquisition of the promised land. G-d does not state that we are exempt from trial or tribulation, however he has guaranteed that he will take care of us and that he stays true to his promises. It is then for us to decide whether we are willing to follow him to the provision he has provided or stay imprisoned in our ‘comfortable’ cells. (Proverbs 3:6, Psalm 16:11)
Waging war
When we start walking in truth, the enemy looks for any way in which he can steal, kill, or destroy (John 10:10). Thus, when we begin a new path of faith, whether that be in generous giving or trusting in G-d’s provision, the enemy will stop at nothing to fool you into believing it isn’t working (Genesis 3:1). In this hour, stay true to the word, stay vigilant, stay strong in prayer and listen to what your heavenly father has for you. He will keep your path straight…into provision…and into your inheritance (Proverbs 3:6).
As we wage war against mammon, we are taking territory for the kingdom. This includes walking into the enemy’s territory, the land of the giants. However, fear not for the Lord goes before you. If you are looking for entrepenuer warriors to fight alongside, I invite you to join the Carolina Business Intercessors. Contact me through the contact form and I will send you the details.
