God In Me

April 27, 2010

You’ve probably heard that saying that good (or bad) things come in 3′s. Recently I’ve had 3 experiences that caused me to question and re-question my beliefs regarding money and spirituality. Is it possible to be spiritual AND have money? Or does being spiritual mean sacrifice and living miserly?

My first experience of the 3 came through a conversation with a new found friend. Because I am learning to speak of the positive and not the negative, we were discussing areas in our lives that showed improvement. Not areas that NEEDED improvement. One of those areas for me was my finances. When I inspected my financial history, I realized that I was earning more money and was much happier being self-employed than when I was working on a traditional corporate job. The other area in my life that showed significant improvement was in the area of spirituality. This caused me to wonder if there may have been a connection. Did my finances improve because my connection with Source improved? I tend to think it did.

My second experience of the 3 came to me in general thought. I wondered why is it that the majority of ‘church-going’ people struggle in their relationships, their finances, and in their businesses? Does God WANT His people to struggle? And why do people talk down on ministers such as T.D. Jakes or Creflo Dollar saying that they are ‘money-hungry’ devils? Isn’t God a prosperous God? Aren’t His gifts abundant? Or do I have it all backwards and we (God’s children) are suppose to suffer and live sub-par lives?

Finally my 3rd experience came when I happened upon Mary Mary’s video, God In Me. I fell in love with the song when I first heard it. And the more I listened, the more I liked it. So, I looked for the lyrics online today. What I found were people who said they were sickened by the message of the song. I was like WHAT. Are you kidding me? You’re upset because someone is singing about their gifts and giving God the praise for them? Wow!

Then it hit me. Most people DO think that money, cars, homes, clothes, and even bling is a sin. Well, not me.

God wants and intends for me what I want and intend for myself

That is one of the many reasons we have free will. We can choose how we want to live. We can live our lives from paycheck to paycheck or we can live our lives abundantly. Now does this mean I worship money or things? Of course not!!!! I will not sell my soul for a piece of silver; however, while in this physical form, I want and intend for myself the very best of EVERYTHING. And I believe the God in Me would have it no other way.

Light, Love and Liciousness,

J-licious

Tags: god, money, spirituality

MirahB

I just love that song and like you have since it came out!

In regards to your message, I believe the two are directly in line with each other. While some people can succeed without having spirituality, there is generally a high price paid for that success.

At times, I question the success of some of the ministers that are large in the public eye. Not that I wish them ill or believe that their successes are not genuine, just that there have been so many televangelist that have been exposed as fraudulent that I am a bit skeptic of them. I believe the same is true of a lot of the general public. (A bit like the prisoner finding religion – is it sincere or an act to acheive something desired?)

I don't think God intends for his children to suffer and live in poverty. I believe there is abundance for all of his children. However, some of the most spiritual people I have met have been from very poor circumstances. Having said that, it makes me question the direct relationship of spirituality and wealth. What is your take on this?
Jlicious

Mirah,
Thank you so much for your comments. First let me clarify one thing. When I speak of God, I speak of the God In Me. I do not believe that God is 'outside' of me. So to answer your question, the God in me does not intend for me to be poor. Nor does the God in me intend for me to struggle through this life (or any other life for that matter). The God in me wants and intends for me what I want and intend for myself. And I feel that is one of the many reasons why the televangelist that you speak of are prosperous. Because the God in them wants them to succeed. The other reason they are so successful is because the people they minister to think their God is outside of them. Once they come to the realization that God is within and not without, change will come. As for your friends that you speak about….are they STILL living in poverty or did they just COME from poverty? If they are still living in poverty, I would have to ask why? Please keep in mind that spiritual leaders such as Gandhi, Mother Teresa and even Jesus were NOT poor. That has been such a misconception. Again, thanks for the comments AND the questions!!!!!
Light, Love and PROSPERITY!!!!!!
J-licious
JohnR

It's stated pretty damn clear and the answer is no. It's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of the god. You're just like that camel, you've so completely distorted reality that you think you can pass through the eye of a needle. Money corrupts, and the only way to earn money in our capitalist society is utterly corrupt. It's earned by abusing the worker. We've glorified this corrupt system to the point that the richest corporations in the world own the governments. The lust for money is why there are hundreds of thousands of gallons of oil are continuous leaking into the Gulf, while Americans have still convinced themselves that it's not BPs fault, that the oil system isn't bad, it was just an accident. This is what money creates in our society and you cannot succeed in this system without supporting this.
Jlicious

JohnR, I appreciate you taking the time to read and to comment on my post. I agree with you on some of the points you made. However, I respectfully disagree on a few as well. With regards to your first statement referencing Matthew 19:24, I say to you….keep reading. The next couple of scriptures (Matthew 19:25-26) states that for MAN this would be impossible; however, with GOD ALL things are possible. I believe those scriptures are 'pretty damn clear' as well. I would also suggest you read other scriptures such as Deuteronomy 8:18 which states '…But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth', which leads me to believe that God gives us the ability to create abundance in our lives. Proverbs 13:22 '…A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the dust', which leads me to believe that we are to create for ourselves, for our children and for our children's children an inheritance. And I will end my biblical reference with Ecclesiastes 10:19 '…A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.' You can be as religious as you like, religion can NOT pay your bills, put food on your table, clothes on your back, shoes on your feet….etc. Also remember that when Jesus was questioned about paying tribute, he sent Peter out to the sea instructed him to cast a hook and take up the first fish. Know what he found in that fish mouth? Money, yes money.

Next, I don't agree with your statement about me…'you're just like the camel…' That statement confirms that you don't know me or anything about me. Although I am not offended, I am disappointed. For someone to quote scripture and then pass judgment disappoints me greatly. I do not believe that is an accurate depiction of someone who is God-like.

Now with regards to the 'lust' of money, I totally and completely agree. Money in and of itself means nothing to us. As a matter of fact, most people don't want money. They want what money buys. With regards to what is going on with BP and the oil spill, I am not sure that the MAJORITY of Americans are convinced that this isn't 'bad'. If you do a little more research, I think you will find most people are outraged and are demanding BP to somehow 'make good' of a 'bad' situation. I do not believe money created this spillage. Now the 'lust of money' may very well be the culprit.

Again, thanks and many, many blessings.
J

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