We must beware of discriminating against the rich in order to help the poor (Exodus 23:3). This is posturing greed.

Posturing greed is pretense: helping the poor with a disguised internal jealousy against the rich. We attempt to pursue social justice apart from the loving heart of God. Too often, our hearts for social justice become hardened toward the economically rich, the very ones that we ask to help the poor.

This dichotomy arises both inside and outside churches where we pursue helping the poor when we hatefully bash the rich. Posturing greed can take place whenever we seek to help the poor merely to draw attention to our self-serving agendas. We give the gift to ourselves.

Both the rich and the poor needed to find Restoration Road. Not all economically rich people are spiritually bankrupt, nor are the poverty stricken all saints. Whether rich or poor, God focuses on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7) — and he focuses on our hearts as well, as we give to those in need or interrelate with those who are not.

The Restorer warned: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed” (Luke 12:15).

Is there any posturing greed in your heart? Surrender it to the Restorer, today. Apply John Wesley’s advice, “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.”

Episode 94: 30 Sayings of the Wise: Finances from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.

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