By Mark Andrew Beach

Building God's kingdom here on earth really centers on taking care of those less fortunate than ourselves. So let’s talk about helping the poor and the needy. Let’s come up with ways to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. This implies direct financial support from those who have the means to offer it.

You know, we have so many missionaries and ministries dedicated to converting others to Christ, and there’s a great deal of wealth generated and expended toward that effort. And that is a good thing. However, few people are ever converted to Christ on an empty stomach — metaphorically speaking.

Remember when Jesus said it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God? Do you recall the situation that led to that seemingly sharp comment? It happened right after He met the rich young man who asked what more he needed to do to inherit eternal life. After Christ questioned him about keeping the commandments, and the young man responded that he had kept them all, Jesus then told him to sell all he had, give it to the poor, and follow Him. The Bible says the young man went away sorrowful because he had great wealth. Hence, Jesus’ comment.

Notice, though, that Jesus didn’t condemn the young man. He simply pointed out that the young man’s priorities were out of order when it came to how the kingdom of God works. For some, like that righteous but rich young man, the pattern is sacrifice first, then follow. For others, the order might be: fill your stomach first, clothe your children, and then follow.

Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and providing shelter to those who cannot provide it for themselves — that’s a major reason for becoming wealthy. I am not, and I emphasize, not, suggesting another government program. It is not government’s job to care for the poor among us. It is the responsibility of all of us — personally — to find opportunities to be good Samaritans and to take care of those in need. That is the Lord’s way.

Let’s visit the sick and the afflicted. That takes a time commitment, not just a financial one. Let’s become wealthy so we can alleviate pain and suffering of all kinds throughout the world. Imagine how few medical breakthroughs we would have if no one had ever donated the time or money needed to find cures.

Liberate the captive. What do I mean by that? I mean liberating minds through enlightenment, education, missionary work — even by supporting the cause of the millions of political prisoners throughout the world. Thousands of people today are still persecuted just for believing in a certain religion. Can we not contribute to these causes?

All of this is part of God's work and His kingdom here on earth. And all of it takes resources. We believers are part of that work. We are here to strengthen the weary knees and hold up the arms that hang down. So if we are to live up to the promises we made when we entered His kingdom and His work, we must also learn His laws of abundance and prosperity — so we can become even more effective in building His kingdom.

So why does God want me to be rich? Ultimately, it’s to build His kingdom. But we must remember to build and contribute even now, while we’re still growing. It’s not enough to say, “I’ll build my wealth now, and once I’m rich, I’ll donate my time and money.” Actively contributing as we grow — financially, spiritually, and personally — is a vital part of the process. It must start now.

We need to understand what God’s will really is for us. His will is that we obey all His commandments, including those that govern wealth creation. That’s what I have learned as I have humbly and prayerfully sought to know His will for me.

The real question to take before God in prayer is not, "Lord, what is Thy will for me?"

The real question is, "Father, are these laws Yours, and should I learn them for the purpose of helping Your children here on earth?"

Try asking both. I have a pretty good idea which one will give you the answer you’re looking for.