THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL: UNDERSTANDING STEWARDSHIP AND PRIDEIn Luke 12:16-18, Jesus tells a parable of a rich man who credits himself for his wealth, planning to build larger barns for his abundant crops, highlighting his self-reliance and pride. BIBLICAL WARNINGS AGAINST PRIDE:<ul><li>1 Corinthians 4:7 questions what we have that we did not receive from God, critiquing the notion of boasting about personal achievements.</li><li>1 Timothy 6:7-8 emphasizes contentment with what we have, reminding us that we brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out.</li><li>2 Corinthians 10:17-18 instructs us to boast in the Lord, not in ourselves, for true approval comes from God.</li></ul> THE MISTAKE OF THE RICH MAN:<ul><li>Luke 12:19 illustrates the rich man's plan to enjoy his wealth alone, which God rebukes by calling him a fool for not being rich toward God, highlighting the folly of finding security in possessions.</li><li>Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 reflects on the vanity of loving money, as it cannot fulfill one's desire for true abundance.</li></ul> REFLECTIONS ON FINANCIAL ANXIETY AND ENVY:<ul><li>Jesus' parable serves as a caution against pride and greed, urging us to recognize God as the source of all blessings and to use our resources to serve Him and others.</li><li>C.S. Lewis describes pride as "spiritual cancer," emphasizing that pride prevents us from knowing God, as it involves looking down on others and things, missing what is above.</li></ul> CONCLUSION:The parable of the rich fool teaches us to be rich toward God, using our blessings to glorify Him and serve others, rather than accumulating wealth for self-satisfaction. Recognizing Jesus as the source of true life and abundance helps us avoid the spiritual pitfalls of pride and self-sufficiency.As we quoted earlier, C.S. Lewis called pride “spiritual cancer”. He goes on to say: “As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.”Today's topic was drawn from our new study guide entitled<a href="https://www.faithfi.com/rtg">Rich Toward God</a>. ON TODAY’S PROGRAM, ROB ANSWERS LISTENER QUESTIONS:<ul><li>I'm in my 60s and financially set but curious about Roth IRAs for my daughter, who's earning around $150k-$160k. Should she open a Roth IRA despite nearing the income limit, and how do we navigate financial planning costs?</li><li>I've been divorced for 10 years, and despite filing a quitclaim deed, I'm still on the mortgage. How can I remove my name from the mortgage when my ex-husband cannot refinance?</li><li>I'm contemplating the best investment for securing $90,000. Is buying property a good option, or are there better investments?</li><li>Concerning Matthew 25:16 and the parable of the talents, specifically the trading aspect, how did they make money in a way that was acceptable to God?</li><li>I've accumulated about $75,000 in debt due to a timeshare mistake and took out a home equity loan with a high interest rate that's barely covering the principal. Should I refinance my mortgage or take another approach?  </li></ul>RESOURCES MENTIONED:<ul><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/find">Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ronblue.com/Everyday-Steward">Everyday Steward</a> (a division of Ron Blue Trust for financial planning): </li></ul> Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the <a href="https://www.moodyradio.org/programs/faith-and-finance/">Moody Radio Network</a> as well as <a href="https://afr.net/podcasts/faith-finance/">American Family Radio</a>. Visit our website at <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/">FaithFi.com</a>where you can join the FaithFi Community, <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/give">and give</a> as we expand our outreach.

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Faith & Finance is a daily radio ministry hosted by Rob West. The program offers a practical, biblical and good-natured approach to managing your time, talents and resources.

Faith & Finance with Rob West

The Bible warns about the sin of pride and the boasting that comes with it. We’ll take a look at the consequences of pride in the life of the Rich Fool, today on Faith and Finance.

“Pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense.” — C.S. Lewis wrote

Pride in Prosperity

FaithFi: Faith & Finance | Feb 23, 2024

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Where Faith Meets Finance

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