7 Life Decisions for Spiritual PowerSample

Never own anything

Many years ago, A.W. Tozer wrote an excellent booklet titled “Five Vows to Spiritual Power.” If you can find it, I would encourage you to read it. For this reading plan, I have incorporated the themes of all five “vows” and added two additional themes. I included examples from my own life and additional Scripture references. I trust that you will find this to be beneficial.

Deep within all of us lies a tendency towards greed. Often, this manifests as a form of disbelief. We may openly or secretly say, “I have to take care of myself,” which usually translates to, “I do not trust God. I have to take matters into my own hands. I’d better save something for difficult times.”

God says that greed is idolatry: “and greed, which amounts to idolatry” (Colossians 3:5; NASB2020).

Some people argue, “You know the Bible says we must be good stewards.” You are absolutely right. However, there is a big difference between greed and stewardship. It is about the attitude of our hearts. Greed is characterised by stinginess. Stinginess and greed can often be seen in people's lives through their reluctance to part with their “hard-earned money.” They will label generosity as “irresponsible.”

Once, I attended a conference in Thailand and found myself preoccupied with worries about the future. One day, while praying, I “heard” the Lord say, “Okay, I will give you $100,000. Will this help set your heart at peace?” I replied, “Well, there could be an accident, or someone could have a heart attack, and that would swallow the $100,000.” Then, I “heard” God say, “Let Me increase it to $500,000. Do you feel better now?” I responded, “Lord, You know this could run out quickly!” God then said to me, “You see, your problem is not the money. Your problem is that you are not trusting Me.” I repented, and I was immediately free.

How does one break free from greed? Make a decision to give and ask the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Learn to listen to the Holy Spirit on when and how much to give. It is a good principle to have a friend or two whom you can consult when you are in doubt about how much, to whom or where to give. Give in a responsible way. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV) gives good advice: Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. If you carefully listen to the Holy Spirit and obey His guidance, greed will start to lose its grip on you. It is so important to know you can trust God and that He will take care of you. Trust Him. A helpful prayer may be, “Lord, what I have, I received from You. From today, everything belongs to You. I will be a responsible steward of the money and of all the things You have given me. I desire to give in ways that please You.

Don't allow your possessions to possess you. Be a steward of it, but do not let money and possessions dominate your life.