Breaking the cycle of poverty

Steve Lyston, Contributor

Poverty is a stubborn issue that affects millions worldwide, and the solution to this problem seems to elude many.

There are several causes of poverty. In truth, it cannot be dealt with unless individuals and nations address the spiritual aspects of this issue.

When we disobey God's word (Deuteronomy 28), it leads to both spiritual and physical poverty - causes lack of ideas, solutions and revelations. When the earth tries to generate wealth by omitting God and His principles, it leads to economic decline, deception, lack of integrity in the market, and brings us into unholy alliances in an effort to gain wealth.

We must recognise that we cannot separate the physical from the spiritual; they are connected.

When we build on God's governmental principles, we have His perfection, and economic recovery, and success is not in the hands of an individual, but in the hands of the Almighty.

Jesus showed us in Mark 6:30-44, by using five economic keys:

He established order.

He took the resources they already had.

He broke - that is, he divided the resources.

He gave - that is, he allocated and distributed the resources.

He blessed - that is, he relied on His father to multiply the resources.

Jesus never allowed political issues to determine how he allocated the resources to whomever was present. He did what was best with the resources to achieve the best results for all.

Furthermore, if God does not bless the resources - regardless of how small they are - then it will all be unfruitful. In addition, He picked up the fragments and used them, allowing nothing to be wasted.

The fragments can represent the poor, and even the small businesses and other small entities. He knew that even what seemed insignificant had a purpose and function in the grand scheme of things and should not be discarded.

The root cause of poverty is disobedience, which results in crime, sickness, lack of growth, high interest rates, poor ratings, market instability and job loss.

Additionally, on a national level, we would be in economic and financial bondage to international lending agencies. This means we would not truly own any assets.

Interestingly, the number 50 - from a scriptural standpoint - means jubilee. At this time, the lands and assets that were divested or taken from the poor would be restored to them.

Some Keys To Come Out Of Poverty

Seek God first - Matthew 6:33. Seeking brings understanding, wisdom, power, capacity and ideas. Not seeking leads us to poverty, failure and deception.

Tithe - Malachi 3:8-10. Tithing is not for the pastor to get rich, Tithing is for your blessing. It is your obedience to this instruction that will bring your blessing from God. You are obligated both to God (tithing) and to the Government (taxes). Matthew 22: 21 says " ... And He said to them, 'Render, therefore, to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.'" (See also Matthew 17:24-27)

Forgive - Matthew 18:18-35. Failure to forgive will bring you to poverty.

Learn To fish - Do not be totally dependent on handouts. Handouts have the potential to lead you to compromise your value, principles and integrity, and ultimately lead you to poverty.

Righteousness - Proverbs 14:34. When we walk in righteousness (right ways and right standing with God), it promotes. Sin, especially sexual sins - common-law relationships, adultery and so on - affects us negatively.

Faith - Hebrews 11. One's faith in God will generate the provision and break poverty. It will remove the mountain of poverty. Remember, unbelief creates mountains.

Read! Oftentimes, we don't read and we miss key information and revelation that can move us out of our current state and into financial freedom.

Pray daily before you make certain financial decisions. Lack of prayer brings financial deception and schemes.

Cease unnecessary spending. Shed the get-rich-quick mentality. Speak to people with integrity to advise you on financial matters.

Those who desire to see change and success within the nation, fast for three hours each day from now until the end of May 2012, asking God to intervene in the affairs of the nation and the lives of its people.

Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including 'End Time Finance' and 'The New Millionaire'.