“Abram was seventy-five years old when the Lord told him to leave the city of Haran. He obeyed and left with his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and slaves they had gotten while in Haran. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram went as far as the sacred tree of Moreh in a place called Shechem. The Canaanites were still living in the land at that time, but the Lord appeared to Abram and promised, “I will give this land to your family forever.” Abram then built an altar there for the Lord.” – Genesis 12:4-7 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
At first glance or reading, we might find it difficult to see what this has to do with financial stewardship. However, Abram is doing something that few of us willing quickly do. He obeyed God. He left the security of his home life and his extended family. Then, he took his wife, his possessions, his slaves, and his nephew and all that belonged to the nephew and set out for the land that God promised.
God gave Abram extreme wealth. God also promised the Canaanites’ land to Abram’s family forever. Had Abram not obeyed, he would have stayed behind and worked with his extended family to build the Tower of Babel. Thus, forsaking what riches God had in store for him.
We too must listen to God and obey His commands to us. We cannot rely upon our own selfish desires. God’s provision is so much better than whatever we could achieve on our own. Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that by following Jesus we will have abundant riches. However, God will meet our needs. We need to choose the right path, God’s path.