Creating or giving value is a fundamental concept that permeates various aspects of our lives, from business and economics to personal relationships, societal contributions, and our involvement to church ministries. At its core, the idea of creating or giving value revolves around the notion of making a positive and meaningful impact.

Mark 10:43-44

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

This passage is a part of a larger narrative in which Jesus is teaching his disciples about the nature of leadership and greatness in the kingdom of God. In this passage, Jesus offers a profound and counter-cultural perspective on leadership that challenges the norms of his time.

At the beginning of Mark 10, James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples, approach him with a request. They ask Jesus to grant them positions of honor and authority in his coming kingdom. This request prompts a discussion among the disciples about who among them will be the greatest.

Based from the Scripture passage above, there are ways in which we can impact the lives of others:

Service

In Mark 10:43, Jesus makes the statement, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” This statement reflects one of the central teachings of Jesus throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the value of humility and service.

In this context, Jesus is addressing his disciples, who were discussing among themselves who among them would be the greatest in the kingdom of God. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach them a fundamental lesson about leadership and greatness.

Jesus is teaching that true greatness in the kingdom of God is not achieved through seeking power, authority, or recognition over others. Instead, it is attained through humility. To be “a servant” means to place the needs and well-being of others above one’s own desires for prominence or status.

Jesus is emphasizing the importance of serving others. In his ministry, he often demonstrated servanthood by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and caring for the marginalized. He is encouraging his followers to adopt a similar attitude of selflessness and compassion in their interactions with others.

This statement challenges the conventional values of society, where greatness is often associated with power, wealth, and status. Jesus is turning these values upside down, suggesting that true greatness is found in serving and lifting others up rather than seeking to be served or exalted.

Jesus himself exemplified this servant leadership throughout his life, culminating in his sacrificial death on the cross for the salvation of humanity. He is essentially instructing his disciples to follow his example and serve others with love and humility.

Greatness is service. It encapsulates the idea that true greatness is achieved not through the accumulation of power, wealth, or status, but through a commitment to serving others and making a positive impact on their lives. Always serve. Always give value.

Related Post: The Habit of Making an Impact

Sacrifice

The statement “give his life as a ransom for many” in Mark 10:45 is a key theological concept that relates to the purpose and significance of Jesus’ life and mission. It reflects the idea of Jesus’ sacrificial death for the salvation of humanity. Jesus’ statement conveys the idea that his life serves as a ransom or payment to secure the release of humanity from the bondage of sin and its consequences. Sin creates a separation between humans and God, and the concept of ransom suggests that Jesus’ death on the cross pays the price required to reconcile humanity with God. It is a substitutionary sacrifice, where Jesus takes upon himself the penalty that humanity deserved because of sin.

The term “ransom” implies that humanity was enslaved to sin, and Jesus’ sacrificial death provides a means of redemption or liberation. Through his death, Jesus offers a way for people to be set free from the power of sin and its eternal consequences. This concept is often tied to the idea of salvation and the forgiveness of sins.

Jesus willingly offers his life as the ransom. His voluntary sacrifice on the cross is seen as the ultimate act of love and obedience to God’s will. It is through this act of selflessness and self-sacrifice that he accomplishes the divine plan of salvation for humanity.

Jesus’ death on the cross was a redemptive act that paid the price for humanity’s sins, reconciled humanity with God, and provided a way for people to be freed from the bondage of sin and death. It emphasizes the profound love, sacrifice, and grace demonstrated by Jesus in his mission to offer salvation to all who believe in him.

In order to generate something valuable or meaningful, one often needs to make sacrifices or trade-offs. It implies that achieving significant or worthwhile outcomes may require giving up certain resources, time, effort, or comfort in the process. Whether in personal goals, business endeavors, or other aspects of life, the idea is that by making these sacrifices, you can create something valuable or contribute positively to a situation. It underscores the notion that success and value often come at a cost.

Solution

“…give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:44

The greatest problem in the world is often understood to be humanity’s sinful nature and separation from God. Sin is a moral and spiritual failing that separates people from a holy and righteous God. The consequence of sin is eternal separation from God in a state commonly referred to as eternal punishment. Going to hell for eternity refers to the belief that those who die in a state of sin and unbelief face eternal separation from God and the possibility of experiencing suffering or torment in the afterlife.

Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, came into the world to offer salvation and reconciliation to humanity. His life, teachings, and, most importantly, his sacrificial death on the cross are seen as the means by which people can be forgiven of their sins, reconciled with God, and spared from the consequences of eternal separation from God.

Jesus’ death on the cross serves as an atonement for the sins of humanity. Atonement means that Jesus’ sacrifice pays the penalty for human sin, reconciling people with God and making forgiveness and salvation possible. Jesus Christ is the solution to humanity’s perceived greatest problem: the separation from God and the consequences of sin.

To provide or give value is to be the solution or become part of the solution to a problem, challenge, or obstacle. It emphasizes the idea that by actively addressing and solving problems or challenges, you can provide value to others or contribute positively to a situation. Instead of merely offering something tangible or material, you contribute value by offering your expertise, skills, innovative thinking, or resources to help others overcome obstacles or achieve their goals.

Create or give value: serve, make sacrifices, and be the solution.

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The Habit of Making an Impact is the title of the message based on Acts 3:1-10. The story is about the healing of the lame man through the ministry of Peter and John. By helping others get healed is one way to make an impact on their lives.

What are the action steps we should do so that to “make an impact” can become our habit?

Recognize Every Opportunity

While Peter and John were going to the Temple for prayer, they met a beggar lame man at the entrance. The man asked them for money. But instead of giving him what he asked for, Peter and John did differently. Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (v.6).

In this story, there are opportunists: those who can get something from somebody (the beggar) and those who are ready to help others (Peter and John). To be a blessing and to make an impact, we must have the habit of recognizing every opportunity that comes our way. Let us train our eyes to see every opportunity to help others who are in need.

Related Post: Become a Channel of Blessing

Exercise a given Authority

The highlight of the story is the healing of the lame man and he was able to walk. That happened not because Peter and John are powerful, but because Peter used the powerful name of Jesus. Jesus gives authority to the disciples to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness (Matthew 10:1).

The healing of the lame man is the outcome of the authority given to the disciples to heal the sick. The disciples exercise that given power. Jesus said to his followers concerning those who would believe in him: “In my name… they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well” (Mark 16:17-18). To heal in the name of Jesus was to involve his power and presence. There is power in the name of Jesus. As Christ’s followers, we should exercise that authority – in the name of Jesus.

Related Post: The Power of Gratitude

Always Give God the Glory

Peter and John were just instruments, a channel of blessing. At that moment, they are God’s hands to perform a miracle. It is also interesting to note that after the healing of the lame man, he went inside the temple praising and worshiping God.

Whatever you have accomplished, always give God the glory. In the story, when the man got healed, Peter and John did not parade their accomplishment but took another opportunity to preach about Jesus. When you are full of accomplishment and help more people, always be humble. Give God all the glory.

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Resurrection Equals Triumph is a message taken from Romans 5:1-11. This passage talks about the demonstration of the love of God for us, through the death of Christ. Notice the phrase in verse 8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

A related passage about the death and resurrection of Jesus is also penned by Paul found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, “For what I received on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

The resurrection of Jesus Christ means victory and triumph for all of us. Paul, in his letters to the Romans and 1 Corinthians, mentioned blessings and benefits that we can enjoy? What are these benefits and blessings that we can experience through Christ’s death and resurrection?

1. Peace with God

This phrase “we have peace with God through Jesus Christ” (v. 1) can be linked back when humankind separated from the presence of God because of sin. Through the death of Jesus Christ and through our faith in Him, we now have peace with God. Looking back to the story of Adam and Eve, it reminds us that because of their disobedience, sin separated them from God.

In Verse 10, “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son.” There is a gap between God and humanity. We were once enemies, as the passage says. But not anymore. Thanks be to God, we can now enjoy a joyful relationship with Him. Sin has been forgiven. We are justified by faith through the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Access to God’s Grace

The death and resurrection of Christ is also a triumph for us because we now have full access to God and His favor. In verse 2, “through whom we have gained access by faith into the grace in which we now stand.” There is now an opportunity for us to experience God’s love and grace.

Remember the time when only the priests can enter into the holy of holies in the temple. But when Jesus died, it says in Matthew 27:51,  “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” It means God’s presence is now available to all. It is not limited anymore to a limited number of people.

One of the greatest tragedies in life is living far away from God. But one of the greatest blessings is to come freely to God, accessing fully His presence and grace. Let us all draw near to God and experience His presence.

Related post: The Blessing of Abiding in the Lord

3. Strength in Suffering

There is a declaration of “glory” in suffering. In verse 3, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance…” Suffering and tribulations in this world are temporary. We still experience suffering and problems but through Jesus Christ, who has given us the victory, we can persevere. The Lord is able to strengthen us.

There is a path towards becoming more like Christ if there is suffering. We become more like Christ when we overcome trials and sufferings. Jesus suffered a lot because of us. All the sufferings that we face today cannot compare to the pain and suffering Christ have been through. Keep on. Jesus strengthens us.

4. Hope of Salvation

The message of salvation centers on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pauline eschatology and soteriology focus deeply on the cross and resurrection. Within Pauline epistles, the message of the cross and resurrection are highly emphasized.

In verse 5, ” God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” The Holy Spirit is the guarantee that we are now saved. If you have accepted the Lord Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Spirit now lives in you. The Holy Spirit is the evidence that you are already saved.

A related passage regarding salvation is found in verse10, “…having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life.” We can be saved because Jesus died for us. His life is the ultimate sacrifice so that we can have eternal life if we believe in Him. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

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The early followers of Jesus were empowered and unstoppable. In Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This is the first passage in the book of Acts where Luke, the author, mentioned about power.

Then in Acts 5:38-39, these Christ’s followers were described as unstoppable. “Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” And in Acts 5:42, “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”

These particular passages above show evidences that the early followers of Jesus were pushing forward of bringing the message about the Lord Jesus Christ. They were unstoppable. They were empowered as Christ’s witnesses.

Let me share with you three foundational principles to live with, so that no one can stop you. We can be effective witnessess, faithful in serving the Lord, and consistently moving forward as Christ’s followers.

1. Clarity of Purpose (Your Intention)

Before Jesus ascened to heaven, He commissioned His followers The mandate was so clear. It is to go and make disciple. It is also clear to them that they need to continue the ministry of Jesus.

There are various phrases and statements found in different passages concerning the mandate of Jesus but they carries similar meaning and intention. For instance, the phrase, “follow me and I will make you fishers of men” in Matthew 4:19 is connected to the command to “go and make disciple” in Matthew 28:18. Jesus also said in Matthew 9:37, “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” He refers to the harvest of souls and that concept is related to fishing people.

The early followers of Jesus knew their mission and purpose. To continue the ministry of Jesus, to become His witnessess, and to transfrom the world through the message of salvation in Christ. They were unstoppable because they have clear intentions.

2. Courage to Proclaim/Produce (Your Action)

To be unstoppable, having a purpose or to have a clear intention is essential. But purpose alone does not work. Ideas and plans are good but the real challenge is execution. A purpose, a plan, and an idea must be put to action.

To witness is an action word. In Acts 1:8, Jesus strongly emphasized that His early followers are to become witnesses. He said, “you will be my witnessess…” He wants them to take the mandate seriously by putting it into action. It starts with a purpose and then having the courage to take action. The early followers of Jesus were men of action because they were courageous in proclaiming the gospel.

Robin Sharma is repeadly saying, “Ideation without execution is delusion.” An idea does not work unless you do the work. This is an important principles in all areas of life. We all know that exercise is good for our health. The questions is, are we taking action? We should take the bridge between knowing and doing. That is to take action.

Every follower of Jesus should take the mandate to become effective witnessess. Be courageous. Take action. Move forward. Push through. 

3. Clothed with Power (Your Potential)

The early followers of Jesus were unstoppable because they were empowered. But before the outpouring of the Spirit in Acts, Jesus said in Luke 24:49, “I am going to send you what the Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high. The promised, “you will receive power” in Acts 1:8 is an affirmation of what has been Jesus in passage above.

Jesus’ followers waited in that upper room and they were baptized int he Holy Spirit. The promised to be “clothed with power” in Luke is fulfilled in Acts 2 when they experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

So many motivational speakers and personal development coaches put emphasis on self-development so that ones potential is maximized. I agree with most of them. We need to develop ourselves. But I believe, true potential is maximized by raising up the standard of human ability and by fully embracing the power of the Spirit. That can be done through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Loving and developing “yourself” is similar to a certain narcissistic belief. On the other hand, Pentecostalism is recognizing that we have potential but self-development is not enough, we need the Spirit-empowerment. When Christ’s followers are empowered by the Holy Spirit, they are unstoppalbe. The Spirit enable them to continue the ministry Jesus.

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Why is it significant to know Jesus’ place of birth? There are three significant reasons why we need to know and understand Bethlehem as a unique place where Jesus was born:

1. Message about Satisfaction

All of us have needs. Everyone longs for fulfillment and satisfaction. But many people are experiencing unfulfilled life. They are never satisfied.

Bethlehem means “house of bread,” and Ephrathah means “fruitful,” because the land around Bethlehem was very productive. The prophet Micah prophesied, many centuries before Jesus was born, that Bethlehem is His birthplace. It is not a coincident that Jesus has been born in the “house of bread” and the Apostle John describes Him as the “bread of life” (John 6:33-40).

When we eat a bread in this world today, we still get hungry tomorrow. There is unending dissatisfaction. However, when we receive Jesus as the Bread of Life, we will never go hungry again.

Bethlehem is not only a house of bread but also a place where spiritual thirst is quenched. Jesus said to the woman at Jacob’s well in Samaria, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst” (John 4:13).

 2. Message about Love

A portion of a famous Christmas song that says “why don’t you give love on Christmas day” can get our attention. This is because Christmas season is a “season” of love. Let us travel back to one of the greatest love stories in history: Ruth and Boaz. It is interesting to note that it happened in Bethlehem. They got married, and God gave them a baby boy whom they named Obed, who ultimately was the grandfather of David.

Jesus’s birth in a manger is a “low profile” kind of birth but full of love. It is because of love that God himself became human in the person of Jesus Christ so that we can experience freedom. Christmas time is a celebration of love.

3. Message about Hope

The story about the captivity of Judah by the Babylonians speaks of hopelessness to the whole Israel nation. According to prophet Jeremiah, the captivity is a judgment to them because they refused to turn away from idols. For so many years, Jeremiah has been giving warning to the people and those were destructive prophecies.

Jeremiah gave them this message from the Lord: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted because her children are no more” (Jer. 31:15). But Jeremiah didn’t stop simply by just recognizing the sorrow of the exiles. He also promised them that Israel would return to their land and establish the nation and the temple again. “This is what the LORD says: ‘Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,’ declares the LORD. ‘They will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your future,’ declares the LORD. ‘Your children will return to their own land’” (Jer. 31:16–17). God kept His promise and the nation was restored.

There is a sense of hope in the midst of hopeless situations. Faith and hope are developed when we put our trust in God. The “muscle” of hope within us is stretch when we are in tough times. It is been proven that those who have been in difficult circumstances became stronger as they came out. Bethlehem is a place of hope for all of us. We were once hopeless because of sin but Jesus has been born as the Savior of the world.

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Timothy is valuable and useful in the ministry because “the gift of God” is in him. Somebody said, “human potential is almost limitless.” Everyone can be valuable and useful like Timothy. We just need to consider important principles.

1. Know your Gift

Timothy has particular ministry gifts, as we read chapters one and two. The gift of faith which mentioned by Paul in verse 5. He has also the gift of evangelism and teaching. Just like other biblical characters, Timothy dedicated his life to be of service to God.

In order to be used by God in the ministry, one needs to know the ministry gift God has given to him. It is an essential foundation to service and ministry.

2. Rely on God’s Power

Paul reminded Timothy to “fan into flame” the gift of God in his life. He also emphasized that the power of the Holy Spirit is active. Ministry and service to the Lord can turn out to be meaningless without the power of the Holy Spirit. Timothy must always rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.

In the context of the passage “power” is linked to witnesses and willingness to undergo suffering (1:8). The work of the Holy Spirit is an inner power that sustains, amidst suffering.

We can be useful in the ministry by allowing the Holy Spirit to empower us. After all, the ministry is meaningless if only done by mere human ability and effort.

Related: Benefits of Positive Addiction

3. Serve with Love

Paul mentioned the word “love” as he continues to encourage Timothy to be faithful and useful in the ministry. There is a connection between love and service. God did not want Timothy to practice “timidity” but he should exercise love while doing the ministry.

To love God and to love others are basic principles, not only for Christian maturity but for service as well. Let us serve God and others with love.

4. Do it with Excellence

As Paul continues to encourage Timothy, he also emphasized “Self-discipline.” In many areas of life, self-discipline will lead to excellence. There are three metaphors Paul uses. Although these metaphors are in chapter 2, they are great illustrations concerning self-disciple.

There are three metaphors Paul uses. Although these metaphors are in chapter 2, they are great illustrations concerning self-disciple. The first is a good soldier – “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier” (2:3). The second one is an athlete – “competes as an athlete” (2:5). The third one is the hardworking farmer (2:6).

To be valuable and useful in the ministry is to practice self-discipline that will lead to an excellent accomplishment.

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Moses, in that particular event, understood clearly his mission and purpose. It is a great task ahead – to bring the Israel nation out of Egypt to the land of Canaan (Exodus 3:10).

In preparing for a great task ahead, let us learn important points:

1. Encounter with God

The encounter of Moses with God was unique and different if we compare it to other encounters in the Old Testament. There is the sequence of the scene. First, there is a burning bush in which God’s way to get the attention of Moses. Moses was attentive to the move of God. Second, God spoke and Moses listened and responded. God said, “Moses, Moses.” Moses answered, “here I am.” Third, God emphasized the importance of His presence, when He said, “you are standing on holy ground.”

In order for us to experience a real encounter with God: be attentive to His move; be a good listener; and be open to His presence.

2. Embrace God’s Concern

If we go back a little bit in chapter 2, especially in verses 23-25, “During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God.  God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.”

Again, in chapter 3 verse 9, the phrase “the cry of the Israelites has reached me” is similar to the “groaning” in the previous passage. The “concerned” of God is linked to the great task – bring them out of Egypt.

3. Experience God Deeper

The conversation of Moses with God in Exodus 3:13-14 tells us the “unusual” name of God. Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”

The Ellicott’s Commentary elaborates what God mean when He said, “I AM WHO I AM.” “My nature, cannot be declared in words, cannot be conceived of by human thought. I exist in such sort that my whole inscrutable nature is implied in my existence. I exist, as nothing else does—necessarily, eternally, really. If I am to give myself a name expressive of my nature, so far as language can be, let me be called “I AM.”

To understand and experience God in a deeper way, one must have the desire to know more about God’s nature and power. It is to really experience who really God is.

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There are biblical examples that illustrate clarity of purpose.

1. Jesus – To Give an Abundant Life

The best example that we can find to illustrate clarity of purpose is Jesus. In John 10:10, Jesus said, “My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” In other translation, “abundant life” is used. Jesus has a clear purpose. In the context of the passage, Jesus is described as the good shepherd who always takes care of the sheep. He takes care for his people and he wants them to experience abundant life.

2. The Thief/Satan – To Steal, Kill and to Destroy

On the contrary to the purpose of Jesus, the Thief, who is also Satan, has a different purpose. That is to steal, kill, and to destroy. In John 10:10, it says, “The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy.” We should be aware that Satan has a clear purpose also. With all possible means, he is fulfilling that purpose.

3. Paul – To Bring the Good News

Apostle Paul said, “But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles…” (Gal. 1:15-16). Paul’s popular title is “Missionary to the Gentiles.” Throughout his missionary life, he fulfilled that purpose.

4. Timothy – To Teach Others

We can read in 2 Timothy 2:2, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” Paul told Timothy to teach others what he has heard and learned so that after they learned, they will also be able to teach others as well.

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Proverbs 14:23. In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.

How to achieve both spiritual and material abundance? We integrate or combine these words:

Faith and Action

James addresses his readers to combine faith and deeds. As he stated, “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” He also uses an illustration to make a point, “…supposed a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.” And he added, “…does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” These statements are a clear indication that faith cannot stand alone. It needs action.

To have a spiritual as well as material abundance, one needs to combine faith and action. There is nothing wrong with having a strong faith in the Lord. It is good to grow in our spiritual life. For instance, a believer can pray wholeheartedly asking God’s provision for daily needs but does not do any labor or work. Do you think, the Lord will provide? I don’t think so! The Lord has given us the ability and creativity to work.

It is God’s will for us to grow in faith. After our regeneration, we need to be consistent in our personal devotion. Our prayer and Bible reading should be done on a consistent basis. Do not neglect to have fellowship with fellow Christians. Be always of service to others.

Let us take action. Better financial management and implementing a system are geared toward action. To be wealthy and have financial freedom does not happen when we are just praying and dreaming. We need to take action. What is the system that we need to put into action? T. Harv Eker’s suggestion of what we do be wealthy: earn it, keep it, spend it, and grow it. Craig Hill’s secret to wealth is the system called “The Five Jars.” Your income or any financial sources that you have, put them in five different jars: tithes, offerings, savings, investing, and spending. We are now ready to take action.

Love and Profit

This is a common concept for everyone, “In all labor there is profit…” There is a fruit of every good labor. This is also the main motivation for others why they go to work or run a business. It is called profit.

Now let us combine love and profit. T. Harv Eker said, “I can be kind, generous, loving, and balanced, and spiritual, and really rich.” This is an interesting declaration! To become wealthy is not just defined in terms of the accumulation of money, but by “love.” Bo Sanchez described types of people. The first type is spiritually dedicated but financially poor and the second one is the person who is wealthy but no spiritual abundance. The third type is the person who is wealthy financially and have a spiritual abundance.

We can have other business “bottom-lines” other than money. It has been said that our lives should resemble a channel, not a reservoir. A reservoir stores up water. A channel is constantly flowing. God wants us to be a channel of blessing to others. Let me revise this statement. “Our lives should be both a reservoir and a channel. Earn, invest, store so that you can become a channel of blessing.

It is possible to achieve both spiritual and material abundance. We can have a growing faith and a growing “pocket.” Be a super-rich, become a blessing.

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