K's story
A wonderful, prayerful, capable South African, a warm family man who loves to engage in things Christian with many Christian friends. Loud, occasionally opinionated but earthy and real. And yet, on a journey over five years a scenario unfolded which plagues many Christians today, one of dual thinking when it comes to things that are most precious. Could it be that where behaviours and actions are hidden, where transparency is foiled the enemy gets a foothold?
A company is formed at the time when tec and biotec companies were springing up like vegetables in an allotment. A new concept, professional people, a share price launched, prospectuses sent and suddenly the followers of Jesus are now fully engaged in the ways of Babylon, enticing new investors into an ever increasing share price. Investors, greedy for more and not wishing to miss out on an escalating price buy in to an ever increasing share. Friends at the beginning now show strains in their relationships as the environment changes, the turnover doesn't materialise, the operations aren't as strong as imagined and the profits seem elusive. Suddenly reputations are on the line, accusations begin to fly, the world is watching. There is a mixture of integrity and hidden things. Some risk more, some risk less, but one - our South African friend - puts much on the line to risk and hope that this venture can be salvaged.
But show me please the place in Scripture where there is permission for speculation, permission for those who confess Christ, who claim to be yielded to his Spirit to engage in the ways of the world. Did the Father not say that friendship with the world is enmity towards him? The venture begins to implode, people run for cover. Claims, counter-claims and our dear brother, somewhat isolated and alone, having fallen from great heights financially sits alone and examines his life assurance policy to see if there is a suicide clause. Yes, there is and that clause saves his life, for had it not been there possibly he may have taken his own life to leave something for his family.
Is it not true that the enemy of our souls comes to rob, steal and destroy, and the God of the universe, our personal awesome God comes to give life in all its abundance? Our friend from South Africa is being rebuilt by God, strengthened by his experience, deepening in his walk.
Who are the wealthy? A mist, a vapour, here now and then gone. Is not life more than this? Are not our treasures built in heaven? Does God love the wealthy and poor alike? Yes! But is it harder for the rich man to enter the kingdom of Heaven? Yes. We are living in arguably the most momentous times, certainly that the financial world has ever known, and undoubtedly the peaks and troughs and troubles will accelerate from here on in. Those in power know in part already. Those who listen to the real wisdom to be found in Christ in the pages of his Word have some knowledge of what is to come. There is little time. There is a great need for believers to believe and for the Kingdom to be sought with every ounce of strength and to move no longer sub-culturally, but counter-culturally, in everything which relates to the world's understanding of wealth.
This is a wake up call! Pray for all those whom you perceive as having divided loyalties and urge, pray, petition and intercede that they may follow the Lord's leading at this time.