If You Will Grow it, The Birds (Riches) Will Come
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November 25, 2008"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof." (Matthew 13:31 - 32) Yesterday we talked about how dogs never catch seagulls on the beach and how that is similar to the futility of us chasing after riches. The question I left you with was, how do we attract the birds (riches) if we are not supposed to chase after them? (It's not just that we are not supposed to chase after them, it's also an exercise in futility!) Before I give you the answer I will tell you that in 1960, a study among graduating college students was begun. They were asked whether they would pursue money, get themselves established and then pursue their dream or pursue their dream and not worry about the money. 83% of the students chose what seemed like the more responsible choice to take care of finances first. Twenty years later there were a total of 101 millionaires out of the two groups. All but one came from the 17% in the group that pursued their dream instead of chasing finances. Selah. So here's the deal... What dream has God put in your heart? What business idea has He given you? Think of it as a tree you are responsible for. Cultivate it well. Prune it. Water it. Care for it. The birds (riches) will come and lodge in it. A well run business with a strong value proposition will attract birds so you never have to chase them. Focus more on developing the tree than on trying to catch the birds with a stick you broke off a tree. And here's another thought... the tree that Jesus said would grow up and be the greatest among the herbs and attract the birds, was a mustard tree. Why is that significant? Because He compares the mustard seed to faith. (This is not about the size of our faith!) So, are you growing a business (tree) rooted in faith or did you simply choose it because you heard you could make a pile of money in it? "Whatever is not of faith is sin." (Rom 14:23). Selah again. Friends, success in business has so much to do with what we focus on, what we are chasing, whether or not we are building in faith or building on covetousness. If you would like to see what 29 top Christian leaders have to say about this topic, get one of the last copies of How to Manage a Million Dollars or Less for just $7 now.
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Comments (10) - Post a Comment
Now is the season where our focus may make a more profound than ever before. Good job Michael!
Eric Beck at 1:30pm EST - November 25, 2008
Thanks Eric!
Michael Q. Pink at 2:06pm EST - November 25, 2008
this was such a good blog. it reminded me of a book i read once called: do what you love and the money will follow.
this also reminds me why the LORD tells us that it is the blessing of the LORD that makes us rich and He adds no sorrow to it.
sorrow is also translated in the original language as painful toil. and God's best for us is not to toil; we are to work, but not to toil. there's a difference.
there's a difference between work and a job (which ends up having us toiling). work brings out our potential; a job is our way of providing for ourselves.
but when we pursue the dreams and desires God has put in us, all that we need and even more will be provided.
our part is to perceive and to do trusting that the One Who said it is well able to bring it to pass.
Raquel at 2:18pm EST - November 25, 2008
Hi Raquel;
Great post yourself! I knew for example there was a distinct difference in the Hebrew between the word \"murder\" as in \"Thou shall not murder\" and in the word \"kill\". But I had never heard or even pondered the difference between toil and work. What a great insight you shared! Thank you for posting. Blessings, Michael
Michael Q. Pink at 2:23pm EST - November 25, 2008
A most profound group, thank you all.
And tremendous stats, Michael. I trust all will take them to heart.
Nearly everyone as heard the 'follow your dream' message in our live. But few live it out. It truly is a more God-like existance because God can more easiy direct us (heart surrendered of course). I'm reminded of the phrase (the author escapes me): \"Find a job you love and you'll never have to work (or toil) a day in your life.\"
You can hear examples every day from Zig Ziglar to Rush Limbaugh to, well, I can say I was embarrased when people talked about my 'long commute' over the years: mostly to my upstairs or downstairs office with the furthest being an office a whole 5 miles away.
As Christ-followers, I feel it is our job to encourage others to follow their dream--or swallow false pride then follow. It is such a rush when people tell us their dreams and the Lord gives us some small part in helping them fulfill them.
Thanks again for your wisdom, Michael. You are beyond your years.
Many blessings,
Steve
Steve Lanning at 3:10pm EST - November 25, 2008
wow! this is very good. what bussines idea has God given me? i am not sure. Did God give the bussines idea already? i would like to do something but i am not sure yet. Do i need to read my bible more?
Thanks for this great blog. Mr Michael.
God bless you'll
luz
luz sierra at 3:25pm EST - November 25, 2008
Thanks for the encouraging word...
Where might I find the research study you reference?
Clark
Clark Grey Howell at 3:28pm EST - November 25, 2008
Michael, these last two post are were very interesting. What I have a tough time with is \"waiting\" on the Lord and \"stepping\" out in faith. And to make things interesting I realize waiting sometimes is stepping out. Yesterdays post seems to be on the waiting side, today's on the go and get it side. Seems like many things we Christians seek are not clear cut.
Then I believe the Holy Spirit brought to my attention last week the parable about the three servants and what they did with the talents their master gave to them. That freed me up to start looking and pursing to try something. Now am waiting for an idea from the Lord in just what I should do with the talents He gave me. Bottom line I just want to follow God's plan for my life, been working my plan 45 years with no success. I truly want to do it the right way next time.
Scott
SWW at 5:58pm EST - November 25, 2008
I have to say that your blog is pretty cool. If you could add a few more videos I would really appreciate it!
PetMeds at 2:48pm EDT - June 16, 2009
Dear PetMeds...
Thanks!
Check out www.RainforestInstitute.com for free videos... especially the Free Demo's
Blessings, Michael
Michael Pink at 6:40pm EDT - June 17, 2009