{"id":5298,"date":"2013-08-26T08:37:17","date_gmt":"2013-08-26T15:37:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nehemiah.pivotdev.com\/?p=5298"},"modified":"2020-03-16T23:20:40","modified_gmt":"2020-03-17T06:20:40","slug":"causes-of-poverty-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/devotionals\/causes-of-poverty-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Causes of Poverty","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cFor you have the poor with you always but me you do not have always.\u201d<\/em> \u2014 Matthew 26:11<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why will the poor be always among us?\u00a0 What are the causes of poverty?\u00a0 What should my attitude be toward the poor?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many successful entrepreneurs started out poor or came from poor families. \u00a0Some in their entrepreneurship journey may also experience temporary material poverty due to the trials and tests of building a business before they are able to see the fruit of financial success.\u00a0 Early in our journey, even my wife and I were surprised to discover that our income was below the poverty line according the United States Internal Revenue Service tax code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poverty is defined as \u201ca condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education, and information\u201d (The Copenhagen Declaration, discussed at the U.N.) There are also statistical definitions of poverty.\u00a0 For instance, the World Bank\u2019s statistical definition for poverty in underdeveloped nations is $2 a day and $1 a day for extreme poverty.\u00a0 Based on these numbers, almost one half of the world\u2019s population lives in poverty.\u00a0 Most developed countries usually set their own poverty level numbers; some have set them as high as $14 a day.\u00a0 The 2005 poverty level number in the United States for single individuals was $26.19 a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The world\u2019s goal is to eradicate poverty.\u00a0 Although this goal is noteworthy and honorable, it is also unrealistic.\u00a0 The Scriptures declare that the poor will always be among us (John 12:8).\u00a0 Why would a loving God allow this since He has the power to alleviate poverty?\u00a0 The fact is, like sickness and disease, poverty is a consequence of the fall of man.\u00a0 Prior to sin, man enjoyed perfect union with God, total provision, and perfect health.\u00a0 However, due to the desire for more, Adam and Eve gave into the devil\u2019s temptation and ate the forbidden fruit, which led to their fall.\u00a0 That fall had several consequences, one of which included material poverty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of Adam and Eve\u2019s sin, we all deserve permanent material poverty, but due to God\u2019s mercy and the redemption of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to escape it through work.\u00a0 In spite of the mercy of God and the price that Jesus paid for us on the cross, not all will escape material poverty.\u00a0 Since we live in a fallen world, there are forces beyond our control that may cause some of us to temporarily or permanently experience material poverty.\u00a0 There are also many of us who experience poverty as a result of our own choices.\u00a0 Here are some common reasons individuals and families become victims of material poverty:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.\u00a0 War \u2013 being a victim of military attack by a foreign force or a group within your own country.\u00a0 This usually leads to loss of material resources for individuals and destruction of infrastructure within the country where the war occurs.\u00a0 \u201cAnd it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire.\u201d<\/em> I Samuel 30:1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Natural disaster (Illness) \u2013 being a victim of forces of nature such as drought, hurricanes, physical ailment, etc. \u201cAnd there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.\u201d <\/em>Genesis 45:11.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.\u00a0 Government Injustice \u2013 being a victim of unjust laws and policies by government.\u00a0 \u201cMuch food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.\u201d<\/em> Proverbs 13:23.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.\u00a0 Laziness \u2013 an unwillingness to exercise any effort or being unproductive.\u00a0 \u201cA little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come on as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.\u201d<\/em> Proverbs 6:10-11; 24:30-34; 20:13.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.\u00a0 Rejection of wisdom \u2013 choosing not to learn or follow best known practices or the known instructions of the Lord. \u201cPoverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.\u201d<\/em> Proverbs 13:18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.\u00a0 Lack of Self-Control or Love of Pleasure \u2013 not being able to discipline oneself, or the overindulgence of things such as food, drink, and entertainment.\u00a0 \u201cHe that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.\u201d<\/em> Proverbs 21:17; 28:19; 23:21.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7.\u00a0 Greed \u2013 a restless and ambitious pursuit of material gain.\u00a0 \u201cHe that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.\u201d<\/em> Proverbs 28:22.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to note that all of these causes are consequences of sin.\u00a0 These are mere symptoms of a greater illness.\u00a0 So then, what should our attitude be toward the poor?\u00a0 Although the poor will always be among us, we are called to show them the love of Christ and treat poverty as an enemy of the Gospel.\u00a0 As Biblical Entrepreneurs, we have a responsibility to first ensure that we are not victims of poverty as a result of our sinfulness.\u00a0 We need to do what we can so that we may provide for ourselves and our families.\u00a0 Second, we must show mercy and not pity to those who are poor among us, especially fellow believers. Mercy recognizes that each person has the God-given ability to ensure his or her own well-being.\u00a0 It gives people a hand-up during difficult times so that they may continue to provide for themselves and their families. On the other hand, pity ignores individuals\u2019 God-given potential and creates a dependency that destroys their inner ability to provide for themselves.\u00a0 Pity turns the giver into an idol and the receiver into an idolater, while mercy keeps the focus on the Lord as the ultimate provider and creates a heart of worship and honor toward God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My prayer for you today is that God will give you the grace to avoid being a victim of poverty and the wisdom to know how to show mercy on the poor.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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\u201cFor you have the poor with you always but me you do not have always.\u201d<\/em> \u2014 Matthew 26:11<\/strong><\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"\u201cFor you have the poor with you always but me you do not have always.\u201d<\/em> \u2014 Matthew 26:11<\/strong>"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Why will the poor be always among us?  What are the causes of poverty?  What should my attitude be toward the poor?<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Why will the poor be always among us?  What are the causes of poverty?  What should my attitude be toward the poor?"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Many successful entrepreneurs started out poor or came from poor families.  Some in their entrepreneurship journey may also experience temporary material poverty due to the trials and tests of building a business before they are able to see the fruit of financial success.  Early in our journey, even my wife and I were surprised to discover that our income was below the poverty line according the United States Internal Revenue Service tax code.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Many successful entrepreneurs started out poor or came from poor families.  Some in their entrepreneurship journey may also experience temporary material poverty due to the trials and tests of building a business before they are able to see the fruit of financial success.  Early in our journey, even my wife and I were surprised to discover that our income was below the poverty line according the United States Internal Revenue Service tax code."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Poverty is defined as \u201ca condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education, and information\u201d (The Copenhagen Declaration, discussed at the U.N.) There are also statistical definitions of poverty.  For instance, the World Bank\u2019s statistical definition for poverty in underdeveloped nations is $2 a day and $1 a day for extreme poverty.  Based on these numbers, almost one half of the world\u2019s population lives in poverty.  Most developed countries usually set their own poverty level numbers; some have set them as high as $14 a day.  The 2005 poverty level number in the United States for single individuals was $26.19 a day.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Poverty is defined as \u201ca condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education, and information\u201d (The Copenhagen Declaration, discussed at the U.N.) There are also statistical definitions of poverty.  For instance, the World Bank\u2019s statistical definition for poverty in underdeveloped nations is $2 a day and $1 a day for extreme poverty.  Based on these numbers, almost one half of the world\u2019s population lives in poverty.  Most developed countries usually set their own poverty level numbers; some have set them as high as $14 a day.  The 2005 poverty level number in the United States for single individuals was $26.19 a day."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

The world\u2019s goal is to eradicate poverty.  Although this goal is noteworthy and honorable, it is also unrealistic.  The Scriptures declare that the poor will always be among us (John 12:8).  Why would a loving God allow this since He has the power to alleviate poverty?  The fact is, like sickness and disease, poverty is a consequence of the fall of man.  Prior to sin, man enjoyed perfect union with God, total provision, and perfect health.  However, due to the desire for more, Adam and Eve gave into the devil\u2019s temptation and ate the forbidden fruit, which led to their fall.  That fall had several consequences, one of which included material poverty.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"The world\u2019s goal is to eradicate poverty.  Although this goal is noteworthy and honorable, it is also unrealistic.  The Scriptures declare that the poor will always be among us (John 12:8).  Why would a loving God allow this since He has the power to alleviate poverty?  The fact is, like sickness and disease, poverty is a consequence of the fall of man.  Prior to sin, man enjoyed perfect union with God, total provision, and perfect health.  However, due to the desire for more, Adam and Eve gave into the devil\u2019s temptation and ate the forbidden fruit, which led to their fall.  That fall had several consequences, one of which included material poverty."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Because of Adam and Eve\u2019s sin, we all deserve permanent material poverty, but due to God\u2019s mercy and the redemption of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to escape it through work.  In spite of the mercy of God and the price that Jesus paid for us on the cross, not all will escape material poverty.  Since we live in a fallen world, there are forces beyond our control that may cause some of us to temporarily or permanently experience material poverty.  There are also many of us who experience poverty as a result of our own choices.  Here are some common reasons individuals and families become victims of material poverty:<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Because of Adam and Eve\u2019s sin, we all deserve permanent material poverty, but due to God\u2019s mercy and the redemption of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to escape it through work.  In spite of the mercy of God and the price that Jesus paid for us on the cross, not all will escape material poverty.  Since we live in a fallen world, there are forces beyond our control that may cause some of us to temporarily or permanently experience material poverty.  There are also many of us who experience poverty as a result of our own choices.  Here are some common reasons individuals and families become victims of material poverty:"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

1.  War \u2013 being a victim of military attack by a foreign force or a group within your own country.  This usually leads to loss of material resources for individuals and destruction of infrastructure within the country where the war occurs.  \u201cAnd it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire.\u201d<\/em> I Samuel 30:1.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"1.  War \u2013 being a victim of military attack by a foreign force or a group within your own country.  This usually leads to loss of material resources for individuals and destruction of infrastructure within the country where the war occurs.  \u201cAnd it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire.\u201d<\/em> I Samuel 30:1."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

2. Natural disaster (Illness) \u2013 being a victim of forces of nature such as drought, hurricanes, physical ailment, etc. \u201cAnd there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.\u201d <\/em>Genesis 45:11.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"2. Natural disaster (Illness) \u2013 being a victim of forces of nature such as drought, hurricanes, physical ailment, etc. \u201cAnd there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.\u201d <\/em>Genesis 45:11."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

3.  Government Injustice \u2013 being a victim of unjust laws and policies by government.  \u201cMuch food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.\u201d<\/em> Proverbs 13:23.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"3.  Government Injustice \u2013 being a victim of unjust laws and policies by government.  \u201cMuch food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.\u201d<\/em> Proverbs 13:23."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

4.  Laziness \u2013 an unwillingness to exercise any effort or being unproductive.  \u201cA little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come on as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.\u201d<\/em> Proverbs 6:10-11; 24:30-34; 20:13.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"4.  Laziness \u2013 an unwillingness to exercise any effort or being unproductive.  \u201cA little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come on as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.\u201d<\/em> Proverbs 6:10-11; 24:30-34; 20:13."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

5.  Rejection of wisdom \u2013 choosing not to learn or follow best known practices or the known instructions of the Lord. \u201cPoverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.\u201d<\/em> Proverbs 13:18.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"5.  Rejection of wisdom \u2013 choosing not to learn or follow best known practices or the known instructions of the Lord. \u201cPoverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.\u201d<\/em> Proverbs 13:18."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

6.  Lack of Self-Control or Love of Pleasure \u2013 not being able to discipline oneself, or the overindulgence of things such as food, drink, and entertainment.  \u201cHe that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.\u201d<\/em> Proverbs 21:17; 28:19; 23:21.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"6.  Lack of Self-Control or Love of Pleasure \u2013 not being able to discipline oneself, or the overindulgence of things such as food, drink, and entertainment.  \u201cHe that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.\u201d<\/em> Proverbs 21:17; 28:19; 23:21."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

7.  Greed \u2013 a restless and ambitious pursuit of material gain.  \u201cHe that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.\u201d<\/em> Proverbs 28:22.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"7.  Greed \u2013 a restless and ambitious pursuit of material gain.  \u201cHe that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.\u201d<\/em> Proverbs 28:22."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

It is important to note that all of these causes are consequences of sin.  These are mere symptoms of a greater illness.  So then, what should our attitude be toward the poor?  Although the poor will always be among us, we are called to show them the love of Christ and treat poverty as an enemy of the Gospel.  As Biblical Entrepreneurs, we have a responsibility to first ensure that we are not victims of poverty as a result of our sinfulness.  We need to do what we can so that we may provide for ourselves and our families.  Second, we must show mercy and not pity to those who are poor among us, especially fellow believers. Mercy recognizes that each person has the God-given ability to ensure his or her own well-being.  It gives people a hand-up during difficult times so that they may continue to provide for themselves and their families. On the other hand, pity ignores individuals\u2019 God-given potential and creates a dependency that destroys their inner ability to provide for themselves.  Pity turns the giver into an idol and the receiver into an idolater, while mercy keeps the focus on the Lord as the ultimate provider and creates a heart of worship and honor toward God.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"It is important to note that all of these causes are consequences of sin.  These are mere symptoms of a greater illness.  So then, what should our attitude be toward the poor?  Although the poor will always be among us, we are called to show them the love of Christ and treat poverty as an enemy of the Gospel.  As Biblical Entrepreneurs, we have a responsibility to first ensure that we are not victims of poverty as a result of our sinfulness.  We need to do what we can so that we may provide for ourselves and our families.  Second, we must show mercy and not pity to those who are poor among us, especially fellow believers. Mercy recognizes that each person has the God-given ability to ensure his or her own well-being.  It gives people a hand-up during difficult times so that they may continue to provide for themselves and their families. On the other hand, pity ignores individuals\u2019 God-given potential and creates a dependency that destroys their inner ability to provide for themselves.  Pity turns the giver into an idol and the receiver into an idolater, while mercy keeps the focus on the Lord as the ultimate provider and creates a heart of worship and honor toward God."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

My prayer for you today is that God will give you the grace to avoid being a victim of poverty and the wisdom to know how to show mercy on the poor.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"My prayer for you today is that God will give you the grace to avoid being a victim of poverty and the wisdom to know how to show mercy on the poor."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}}],"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"link","format":"url"}],"bb_access":{"can_access":true,"restrict_message":null},"app_access":{"can_access":true,"restrict_message":null},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5298","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5298"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5298\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5298"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5298"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5298"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}