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	<title>123 Christian &#187; Business Opportunities</title>
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		<title>10 Ideas of Christian Businesses You Can Start</title>
		<link>http://www.123christian.com/business-opportunities/10-ideas-of-christian-businesses-you-can-start</link>
		<comments>http://www.123christian.com/business-opportunities/10-ideas-of-christian-businesses-you-can-start#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:24:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Opportunities]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.123christian.com/articles/?p=57</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Get ideas for Christian based businesses for you to start and work for yourself.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-58" title="10 Christian Business Ideas" src="http://www.123christian.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/istock_000005164183xsmall-100x100.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="100" />Starting a business of your own can create both more time and money for you compared to a traditional job. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and persistence—and things do not always get off the ground your first try. Using Biblical principles however, especially from the book of Proverbs, can help you avoid common obstacles many people face in business today. <span id="more-57"></span>Here are some potential ideas that you can consider:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong><span style="color: #800000;">Bookstore—Online or Traditional</span></strong><br />
Many people love the atmosphere of a physical bookstore—you also can create additional income through a restaurant or coffee shop attached to it.  This avenue takes a lot of initial investment and time, and you’ll need to consider your competition, overhead costs, and population of your area before making the leap.   </p>
<p>A much safer way to start out is a home-based bookstore through already established companies such as Amazon.com or Half.com.  Used books that are fairly cheap in one area of the country may be expensive in another, so in some cases these businesses can do very well.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: #800000;">Daycare</span></strong><br />
Many couples today are in situations where both spouses are working.  Providing a solid Christian-based daycare can provide a lot of parents with peace of mind compared to other environments they may be considering.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: #800000;">Travel Guide for Christian Locations</span></strong><br />
If you live in an area where there are areas of interest for Christian-based tours (and this can include areas like Washington, D.C., where there is a Christian influence with many of the monuments that may not be covered in other tours.)  Investment will likely consist of a website and marketing of your service.  You can meet people at the tour location, making this a business you can run out of your home.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: #800000;">Tutoring</span></strong><br />
As with the situation with daycares, many Christian parents would like to find after-school tutoring with a good environment.  You can do one-on-one tutoring in subjects that you have a strong background or interest.  An educational background is helpful (and sometimes required according to the position) for this as well.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: #800000;">Crafts Business</span></strong><br />
Craft businesses are easy to start and operate on a cash basis.  You can have fun creating things you enjoy and generate an income from them.  Again, you can start small, build the business larger by reinvesting your profits, and possibly use the Internet for sales in addition to craft shows.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: #800000;">Freelance Writing</span></strong><br />
There is a wide variety of opportunities available for Christian freelance writers, from creating study guides to advice articles.  You can also create an income from your own blog or website through advertisers such as through Google Adsense.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: #800000;">Wedding Planner/Special Events Planning</span></strong><br />
If you’re naturally gifted in organization, this is a great low-cost business that you can even do on weekends outside of a normal job.  Basically you need to research where to get supplies—napkins, invitations, party favors, etc.—and know the best locations in your area to walk the bridge and groom through the planning process.  Networking with photographers and videographers is helpful as well.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: #800000;">Photographer/Videographer</span></strong><br />
Many churches and Christian-based groups are using multimedia in both church services and on their websites.  You can also generate income through weddings and conferences.  Initial start-up costs are probably the biggest obstacle for this business, since both professional quality still and video cameras and related equipment can reach into the $10,000+ range very quickly.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: #800000;">Bible Study Creator</span></strong><br />
If you enjoy studying the Bible and find yourself mentoring other people, you can self-publish study guides and sell them online with very little out-of-pocket costs.  The biggest task in this business would be marketing and letting other people know the materials were available.  The website Lulu.com is a good self-publishing website if you need a place to start.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: #800000;">Web Designer for Church Websites</span></strong><br />
If you enjoy web design, you can find work for several churches in your area on a contract basis that may not be large enough to have a website designer on staff.  You can develop the same skills for commercial and personal use.</li>
</ol>
<p>Two other actions you need to take in getting started are talking with the person who does your taxes (so you know what you can and can’t deduct) and to open up a separate account for your business expenses and earnings.  This will have you a lot of hassle.  </p>
<p>Remember to keep your eyes open for opportunities in your own local area.  You may be able to fill a need others are missing.  Best wishes to you!</p>
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		<title>30 Christian Affiliate Programs To Join</title>
		<link>http://www.123christian.com/business-opportunities/30-christian-affiliate-programs</link>
		<comments>http://www.123christian.com/business-opportunities/30-christian-affiliate-programs#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:35:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Opportunities]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.123christian.com/articles/business-opportunities/30-christian-affiliate-programs</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Earn money with your website by joining some of these Christian affiliate programs]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-55" title="30 Christian Affiliate Programs to Join" src="http://www.123christian.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/affiliate.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="100" />Affiliate marketing has become a very popular way for people to make money with their websites. I&#8217;ve known many people who make their living through affiliate programs online and I have also known many churches making extra money for missions by offering affiliate links on their sites. Doing a quick Google search, you can find hundreds of businesses offering affiliate programs. To make things easier for you, I have put together a list of 30 Christian affiliate programs.<span id="more-32"></span></p>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.worshipguitarclass.com/aff.htm?p=a103&amp;w=afl"><strong>Worship Guitar Class</strong></a><br />
This is the Christian affiliate program for you without any cost or obligation on your part. You can get paid referral fees for simply linking to worshipguitarclass.com. In Psalm 145:3 it says &#8220;Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no-one can fathom.&#8221; We were created to worship Him. Join our affiliate program today!<br />
<strong>Commission: 20%</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://cognigen.net/corporate/agents.cgi?123christian"><strong>Cognigen</strong></a><br />
Free to join home business with a wide variety of products and services including long distance, computers, satellite tv, and more. Excellent program and is highly recommended. Not a direct Christian company, but many of the reps are.<br />
<strong>Commission: Varies</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.newsateleven.com/affiliates/affiliates.html"><strong>News At Eleven</strong></a><br />
News At Eleven is a contemporary Christian band featuring fresh, explosive arrangements of traditional favorites and exciting new songs for reflection, liturgy, and praise &amp; worship. Join the News At Eleven Affiliates Program and get a 15% commission on all purchases of CDs and sheet music from newsateleven.com.<br />
<strong>Commission: 15%</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/affiliate_main"><strong>Christian Book </strong></a><br />
Do you have a Website? If so join our Christian Affiliate Program and start earning money by advertising our products from your site. When you send us a customer from your site and they make a purchase you earn 10% of that sale. It’s easy and it’s free! Sign up today!<br />
<strong>Commission: 10%</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.christianshirts.net/affiliate.php"><strong>ChristianShirts.net</strong></a><br />
Earn money from promoting their shirts, stickers, magnets and other Christian based products. They offer a 60 day cookie.<br />
<strong>Commission: 15% </strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.contentpurity.com/christian-affiliate-program.htm"><strong>Content Purity</strong></a><br />
Content Purity provides free parental control Internet software to scan, content filter and clean objectionable content from your computer. They pay twice per month and are affiliate through ClickBank.com.<br />
<strong>Commission: 61% ($18 per sale)</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cnonline.net/r.asp?r=123christian"><strong>Christian-Net</strong></a><br />
Their program is a great way             to increase your revenue! It&#8217;s free to join, and they pay 8% commission             for each customer you sign-up for Christian-Net Connect (Dial-Up) and Christian-Net Protect (Filtering Only), for             as long as they are with them.<br />
<strong>Commission: 8%</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.familychristian.com/affiliates/">Family Christian Stores</a><br />
</strong>They offer all kinds of Christian products such as music, books, bibles, and videos. You can earn up to 8% commission and they offer a 45 day cookie. <strong><br />
Commission: 8%</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://affiliates.christiancafe.com/"><strong>ChristianCafe.com</strong></a><br />
They offer one of the most generous dating affiliate programs currently  available, paying affiliates 40% of all net revenue earned from  referred paying members. This includes 40% of all membership renewal  payments, so you continue to earn commissions over the life of the  membership. Their membership rates range from $34.95 to $109.95.<br />
<strong>Commission: 40% lifetime</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.singlec.com/affiliate.html"><strong>Single Christian Network</strong></a><br />
A Christian singles network that offers lifetime commissions and commission checks paid monthly.<br />
<strong>Commission: 40% lifetime </strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.avantlink.com/merchant_details/10265/c28.html">C28</a></strong><br />
C28 is the leader in Christian-themed apparel and accessories for youth and young adults.  Diverse product mix with over 1500 products including sports wear, t-shirts, shoes, music and jewelry. Offers a 30 day cookie length.<br />
<strong>Commission: 15%-20%</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/shareasale.cfm?merchantID=13723"><strong>FaithWear</strong></a><br />
Christian clothing and apparel company that offers 60 day cookies, $5.00 cash activation bonuses, and their program is offered through <a href="http://www.shareasale.com">ShareASale.com.</a><br />
<strong>Commission: 10%</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/affiliate_info.php"><strong>ChristianCinema.com</strong></a><br />
They pay  a 2 to 6% fee on everything your visitors order when  they come to ChristianCinema.com by clicking on one of your links.<br />
<strong>Commission: 2%-6%</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thebiblesource.com/affiliates/"><strong>The BibleSource</strong></a><br />
Offers thousands of different bibles. The affiliate program offers a $10 bonus for signing up.<br />
<strong>Commission: 10%</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.nestentertainment.com/helptopics.aspx?Topic=affiliate"><strong>Nest Entertainment</strong></a><br />
Nest Learning offers affiliate partners great educational products with higher payouts then comparable programs. They offer 30 day cookies.<br />
<strong>Commission: 15% </strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.christianflower.com/info.asp?id=5158"><strong>ChristianFlower.com</strong></a><br />
They offer floral and gift delivery services. Commissions are paid on a monthly basis.<br />
<strong>Commission: 10%</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.audiblefaith.com/affapp"><strong>AudibleFaith.com</strong></a><br />
The AudibleFaith affiliate program pays 10% on all music products, from CDs, to downloadable audio, to sheet music.<br />
<strong>Commission: 10%</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.abbeypress.com/article.asp_Q_ai_E_74"><strong>Abbey Press</strong></a><br />
Inspirational gifts and collectibles. The program only offers a 21 day cookie and is tracked through Commission Junction.<br />
<strong>Commission: 10%</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.memorycross.com/affiliate-program.htm">Memory Cross</a><br />
</strong>Memory Cross is a   							tool that is being used to bring people closer to   							God and to present the Gospel.<strong><br />
Commission: 10%-15%</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://singlesoffaith.com/affiliatedetails.asp"><strong>Singles of Faith</strong></a><br />
SinglesofFaith.com is much more than &#8220;just another Christian dating site.&#8221; It’s a nationwide ministry dedicated to preparing and challenging us single Christians to follow Christ more closely and faithfully in numerous areas of life.<br />
<strong>Commission: 45%</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.1m4jc.com/Affiliate.aspx"><strong>1M4JC</strong></a><br />
1M4JC (short for 1 Million for Jesus Christ) offers affiliates 10% commissions. Non-profit organizations can earn 20%.<br />
<strong>Commission: 10% or 20% for non-profits </strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thepraisefactory.com/affiliate%20program.html"><strong>The Praise Factory</strong></a><br />
Offers Christian shirts at low prices. Their program offers a 90 day cookie.<br />
<strong>Commission: 5%-7%</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="http://affiliates.dayspring.com/">DaySpring Cards</a><br />
</strong>Offers Christian greeting cards, gifts and more.  The more you earn, the more your commission raises. Offers a 90 day cookie and the program is run through CJ.<br />
<strong>Commission: Greeting Cards 15% Other Products 12% (increases with more sales)<br />
</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.christiangear.com/afprog.html"><strong>ChristianGear.com</strong></a><br />
Earn 10% of every sale you send to ChristianGear.com. Their program is offered through Shareasale.com and they offer a 45 day cookie.<br />
<strong>Commission: 10%</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.aoppartners.com/about-affiliates.php"><strong>Alpha Omega Publications</strong></a><br />
One of the largest, most trusted Christian curriculum providers in the world. Their program is offered through Commission Junction.<br />
<strong>Commission: 10% </strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ibsdirect.com/t-affiliate.aspx"><strong>International Bible Society</strong></a><br />
Distributor of Christian resources. Offers monthly updated product datafeeds and uses the Shareasale network.<br />
<strong>Commission: 10% </strong></li>
<li><a href="http://booksforchristians.com/affiliateprogram.asp"><strong>BooksForChristian.com</strong></a><br />
They offer a comprehensive range of new and used books. Offers a 30 day cookie.<br />
<strong>Commission: 5.5%-6.5% </strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ignatius.com/Affiliate.aspx?SID=1&amp;"><strong>Ignatius Press</strong></a><br />
Catholic books, videos,             music, art and magazines. Their program is run through Commission Junction.<br />
<strong>Commission: 10% </strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.echristianwebhosting.com/affiliate/"><strong>eChristian Web Hosting</strong></a><br />
Earn $20 for each web hosting sale. Payments are made once per month.<br />
<strong>Commission: $20 per sale</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.answersingenesis.org/"><strong>AnswersInGenesis.org</strong></a><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,verdana;">They offer books, DVD&#8217;s, home school curricula and other resources related to the AiG ministry.</span> Sign up at ShareASale <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/shareasale.cfm?merchantID=10981">here</a>.<br />
<strong>Commission: 12%</strong></li>
</ol>
<div><strong>About The Author: </strong>Logan Thompson authors a <a href="http://www.lrthompson.com">Christian affiliate marketing</a> blog that helps people in the world of affiliate marketing with tips, network and affiliate program reviews, web design ideas, and SEO help from a Christian perspective. <a href="http://www.lrthompson.com">Visit Logan&#8217;s Blog</a></div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Why Use a Christian Business Directory?</title>
		<link>http://www.123christian.com/business-opportunities/christian-business</link>
		<comments>http://www.123christian.com/business-opportunities/christian-business#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 01:17:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Opportunities]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://147.202.70.151/articles/business-opportunities/christian-business</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One way that Christian businesses are expanding their customer base is by advertising on Christian Business directories. This is not only great advertising for the business owner, it also helps the Christian consumer locate and deal with businesses that have the same beliefs. The average Christian consumer prefers to do business, when possible, with a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">One way that Christian businesses are expanding their customer base is by advertising on <a href="http://www.123christian.com">Christian Business directories</a>. This is not only great advertising for the business owner, it also helps the Christian consumer locate and deal with businesses that have the same beliefs.<span id="more-12"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The average Christian consumer prefers to do business, when possible, with a business owned and operated by Christian owners. When a business runs on the principles laid out by God, you can rest assured that you will be treated fairly, and your work will be done correctly. In this world many business are just trying to get ahead, regardless of who they run over or take advantage of. By seeking out a Christian business you can greatly reduce, if not completely reduce, the possibility of not being treated fairly.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When asked why, most people say they would rather do business with a Christian business because of the integrity that is associated with being a Christian. Consumers feel that a Christian business will treat them with respect and honesty. They feel that the job will be done as specified, and that they will stand behind their service or product. Think, about it. Why would you not want to do business with a Christian business? The Holy Spirit gives Christians certain talents and gifts. So when you choose a Christian business you are getting a person that was specifically given their gift directly from God.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One aspect that you may over look, is that when you do business with a Christian, you are also helping the entire church body. You will probably never know the full extent of your contribution, this side of heaven. That is because you don&#8217;t get to see the complete money trail. For example, lets say you have your kitchen redone. You pay the cabinet company, and then the owner tithes his paycheck to his church. The church uses the money to help with a mission trip to <st1:country-region><st1:place>China</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Then you have the employees that the owner pays, when they tithe their paycheck, the money may go to help the church&#8217;s food bank. The possibilities are endless when you work within the body of Christ.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When Christian business owner advertise on directories for the Christian consumer, good things can happen. You help keep the body of Christ stay strong, and constantly growing. Word of mouth is very powerful, especially in the Christian community. You can bet that if you need it, there is a Christian business available to serve you.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our directory gives both the consumer and the business owner the opportunity to network. We offer a <a href="http://www.christianforums.net/viewforum.php?f=3">Christian business forum</a> so that you can encourage one another and exchange ideas. There are also many opportunities to become part of the business community. There is work at home programs where you can be your own boss or work within an established franchise. Our directory covers everything from business to travel.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em><span>“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others”  -Philippians 2:4 NASB</span></em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Christian Work at Home Programs</title>
		<link>http://www.123christian.com/business-opportunities/christian-work-at-home-programs</link>
		<comments>http://www.123christian.com/business-opportunities/christian-work-at-home-programs#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 05:21:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Opportunities]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://147.202.70.151/articles/?p=3</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today&#8217;s world is a much different place then when our parents and grandparents were raising families. It seems like there is no way around both parents working outside the home. Many Christians are faced with this dilemma everyday. The cost of living has sky rocketed and it is nearly impossible to make ends meet on [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">Today&#8217;s world is a much different place then when our parents and grandparents were raising families. It seems like there is no way around both parents working outside the home. Many Christians are faced with this dilemma everyday. <span id="more-3"></span>The cost of living has sky rocketed and it is nearly impossible to make ends meet on one income. Many Christian parents are conflicted about having to put their children into daycare, where they may not be being taught according to their Christian beliefs. There is a way to still have the added income and be available for your children.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are many Christian, work from home opportunities available. These are not your typical work at home programs that make promises to make you hundreds of thousands of dollars within the first six months. These programs are legitimate ways to help supplement your income. There are some programs that offer franchise opportunities with well-established companies. Other companies get you going in the right direction and then you become a self-employed, independent contractor. Some require some fees up front, and as with anything, if it sounds to good to be true, look out.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The best way to find legitimate, <a href="/directory/business_opportunities/home-based_christian_businesses/" title="Christian Work From Home Businesses">Christian work from home businesses</a> is to look through a Christian business directory. They have strict guidelines for being able to advertise on them. They generally look at their website and make sure that they have Christian business values through out the website. They also get feedback on these programs from other users, if any one is found to be breaking the rules; they are removed from the directory.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you are able to work at home, you will actually need to make less money to make ends meet. You are now eliminating your travel time to and from work. You will no longer need to put your children into the care of others. The need to eat out, and having an entire wardrobe dedicated to work are no longer necessary. So you will see that your budget will shrink dramatically.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Most importantly this gives you an opportunity to raise your family the way God intended it to be, with the mother at home to raise the children. Nothing is more important then teaching your child your beliefs and morals, because if don&#8217;t teach them, the world is more than willing to. So take a look at the <a href="/directory/business_opportunities/home-based_christian_businesses/" title="Christian Work From Home Programs">Christian based, work from home programs</a>, they can sure help you and your family in immeasurable ways.</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Learning Success From The Master</title>
		<link>http://www.123christian.com/business-opportunities/learning-success-from-the-master</link>
		<comments>http://www.123christian.com/business-opportunities/learning-success-from-the-master#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2004 05:28:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Opportunities]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://147.202.70.151/articles/?p=4</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;ve always been fascinated with gadgets. And I&#8217;m always intrigued with finding a better, or easier way to get something done. I can&#8217;t count the times I&#8217;ve been browsing through my favorite home improvement store to find some gadget that seemed to be exactly what I had thought of months before. Now someone else had [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="article_text">I&#8217;ve always been fascinated with gadgets. And I&#8217;m always intrigued with  finding a better, or easier way to get something done. I can&#8217;t count the times  I&#8217;ve been browsing through my favorite home improvement store to find some  gadget that seemed to be exactly what I had thought of months before.</span><span id="more-4"></span></p>
<p>Now someone else had actually developed that idea, and was selling it.  They&#8217;ve developed and marketed this item, and are now obviously getting wealthy  from the sales. And I&#8217;m left thinking, &#8220;I thought of that! It was my idea, and  now this person is making all the money. Why can&#8217;t I be that lucky, just once!  Then, I&#8217;d be financially successful, and my worries would be over.&#8221;</p>
<p>I know young people who read those Hollywood magazines that show off that  famous movie star, that actor, or actress with the knock-out body, who seems to  get paid huge money just for waking up and smiling every day! If you looked like  that, you&#8217;d be rich too, wouldn&#8217;t you! And a whole lot happier too!</p>
<p>How about that neighbor? You know, the one who inherited most of his money.  If you&#8217;d had an inheritance like that you&#8217;d have sure been wiser than he with  it. Still he has pretty much everything he wants. If someone had helped you get  started like that, so you had something to invest, you&#8217;d have made a bundle on  the stock market too, wouldn&#8217;t you? But here you are with your 40 hour-a-week  J.O.B. Of course you&#8217;re not as happy as he! How could you be, under your  circumstances! It&#8217;s quite obvious that money really does buy happiness.</p>
<p>Why is success so elusive to the Christian? Does God hate people with lots of  money? Is money really the root of all evil? How can a Christian be successful  in today&#8217;s world, and is it even something to be desired?</p>
<p>Tell those who are rich in this world&#8217;s wealth to quit being so full of  themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow.  Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage to  do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do  that, they&#8217;ll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.  I Timothy 6:17-19 (The Message)</p>
<p>Here we see Paul instructing Timothy to tell those in Ephesus who have wealth  not to flaunt it. By flaunting it, he knew they would be inclined to think more  of it than they should. They could easily reach a point where the wealth game  became more important to them than God.</p>
<p>Because he understood human nature, Paul recognized that an arrogant person  with money had great potential for creating jealousy and disharmony among their  fellow believers, and diverting their attention from God, to the challenge of  accumulating wealth. Instead of harmonious love and cooperation in the church,  there would be a jealous contest to outdo one another.</p>
<p>God provides everything for our enjoyment. If you are placing your hope in  something temporary and fleeting, you will be disappointed when it&#8217;s gone. But  if we merely accept wealth as a momentary measure of enjoyment from God, when  it&#8217;s gone, we won&#8217;t be disconcerted by it&#8217;s absence.</p>
<p>It&#8217;ll be like a pleasant walk in the park. We&#8217;ll enjoy it while we&#8217;re doing  it, remember it when it&#8217;s over, and make plans to do it again when the time is  right, and conditions are pleasant. But we don&#8217;t go home weeping and lamenting  the fact that the walk is over, or become depressed about going home or moving  on to other things.</p>
<p>This is how we are to view wealth. It&#8217;s a moment of pleasure that God has  provided, a mere respite from other aspects of life. But it is not something to  hold onto as though our very life depended on it.</p>
<p>Then Paul gives instructions about what to do with our money. We&#8217;re first of  all to be good, and to do good deeds. But what&#8217;s that got to do with wealth? The  instruction to be generous and willing to share follows that statement.  Obviously, if we&#8217;re not treating others in a good way, being a friend, helping  where needed, building a trust relationship, how will we ever be generous?</p>
<p>Can you cheerfully give to someone you don&#8217;t like, or who doesn&#8217;t like you?  Not likely! And would it even be accepted? Who will you be generous to, who will  you share with, if you&#8217;re not being good, doing good deeds!</p>
<p>True happiness and true success for the Christian is found by following the  commandment to put our hope in God. If we wake up every morning of our life with  our hopes and dreams for today built around our God, instead of setting out to  become successful by the world&#8217;s standards, and we set out to build a  relationship with God the father, this is true success. This is the only true  success that exists in the Christian&#8217;s world.</p>
<p>Wealth is fleeting. Here today, gone tomorrow. Recent events surrounding the  World Trade Center and Wall street have demonstrated the fallacy of trusting in  your stock portfolio to guarantee your life and your happiness.</p>
<p>How do we experience success as a Christian?</p>
<p><strong>Act Justly</strong></p>
<p><strong>Love Mercy</strong></p>
<p>Walk humbly with <strong>YOUR GOD</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>This is true success!</strong></p>
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