Do Christians Need to Make a Vow of Poverty?

[Rebecca Beasley]

I think not. I believe that we should first understand that nothing we own belongs to us in the first place. God provides for all of our needs and when we take a vow of poverty we're basically trying to earn our way into the kingdom. It doesn't work like that. There is absolutely nothing we can do on our own to merit God's favor. His favor is bestowed out of his grace and is not anything we deserve.
A Christian who goes around with raggedy clothes and a frown on their face isn't demonstrating to the world how good God is, they're saying in a sense that we have to suffer to be an example. That's the furthest thing from the truth. God wants us to live a life of abundance and blessing. He provides far and above our basic needs. We should be showing the world what a good and generous Father He is and not try to look like we just fell out of His graces. That doesn't mean that we should be greedy or obsessive, but we should accept the blessings of God and if someone offers us something we should not ever deny them their blessing either. What greater testimony for the kindness and generosity of our Father than for his children to shine and be counted amongst the richest people in the world? We are already rich beyond the world's standards, but we don't have to act like we're paupers to receive these riches now. Look what God gave to Abraham, Joseph, and all the other people who obeyed his word. Why should we be any different? God loves us and wants us to be successful, happy and phusically fit to enjoy what he gives us.
How can we help others if our own belly is empty?

[Naima Lynah]

I give a resounding Amen to that!!! Romans 2:11 "For there is no respect of persons with God." What Abba did for others can and will be done for us as well. Poverty and Prosperity are not to be measured in the realms of money only. We must also not have poverty of the spirit, the mind and the soul. We must have and maintain and guard with all our might the prosperity of our mind, spirit, soul and love of God. We are so fortunate here in America and we tend to take so many things for granted. We have to remember that we in Romans 12:2
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

Naima Lynah
A&N Debt Negotiators