The Trap | Heritage Briefs - Episode # 19

 Click Here to Listen to this Episode

💬 Show Notes:

In this episode of Morning Star Heritage Briefs, host Chuck Christie delves into the economic history of the American Republic, discussing the evolution of the free market and its impact on society. Drawing from the writings of Rick Joyner, we explore the delicate balance between wealth and riches, the importance of stewardship, and the consequences of government intervention in charity.

Tune in as we uncover how our relationship with money reflects our values and priorities, and the urgent need for responsible governance in preserving the integrity of our economy.

🗣️ Quotes from Rick Joyner
"Money and how we handle it have a way of revealing what our priorities really are."

"We must go back to where we missed the turn."

🗣️ Quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.
"The time is always right to do what is right."

📝 Blog Post Body:

In the latest episode of Morning Star Heritage Briefs, host Chuck Christie takes listeners on an enlightening journey through the economic history of the American Republic. The episode focuses on the development of the free market and its profound implications for society, particularly regarding wealth, stewardship, and government intervention.

Christie draws from the writings of Rick Joyner, emphasizing that the free market has sparked innovation and creativity, allowing individuals to take initiative and invest in their futures. However, the episode also highlights a crucial distinction between wealth and riches. While riches may come quickly, they often vanish just as fast. In contrast, true wealth is built through hard work, wisdom, and endurance, qualities that endure through generations.

One of the key themes addressed is the role of government in charity. Christie argues that while charity is a biblical virtue, institutionalizing it can lead to dehumanization and dependency. He urges listeners to consider whether the government is truly capable of effectively helping those in need, suggesting that personal charity and community involvement may be more beneficial.

As the episode unfolds, Christie warns of the growing burdens that government regulations and inefficiencies place on the economy. He questions how much more resilient the free market could be if it were free from these constraints, positing that it could effectively meet the needs of the world's population without creating dependence on government assistance.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own stewardship of resources and the impact of their choices on the economy and society at large. With insightful quotes from historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and C.S. Lewis, the episode serves as a call to action for responsible governance and personal accountability.

In conclusion, this episode of Morning Star Heritage Briefs is not just a discussion about economics; it’s a profound exploration of values, priorities, and the moral responsibilities that come with wealth. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these critical issues and how they shape our world today.

✍️ Episode References

Rick Joyner
https://www.morningstarministries.org

Morning Star Ministries
https://www.morningstarministries.org

C.S. Lewis
https://www.cslewis.com

Automatic Show Notes

Chapters

0:08

Introduction to The Trap

2:12

Wealth vs. Riches

3:32

Political Leadership Dilemmas

5:32

The Burden of Government Regulations

6:54

The Role of Charity

8:08

The Wrong Road of Charity

Long Summary

This lecture, presented by Chuck Christie, delves into "The Trap," Heritage Brief 19 by Rick Joyner, exploring the dynamics of the free market and the implications of economic stewardship. It begins by highlighting the transformative power of the free market in fostering creativity and initiative, which led to an explosion of new products and services. As stocks and bonds emerge as the primary currencies of this era, the stock and bond markets become a crucial repository for the burgeoning wealth worldwide. The accessibility of these markets prompts widespread investment, intertwining business news with political discourse, as economic factors begin to overshadow other pressing issues.

Joyner provides a biblical perspective on money and stewardship, arguing that financial circumstances reflect individual priorities and, ultimately, the condition of one’s heart. He warns against the allure of money as a potential idol, posing the essential question of whether individuals will master their wealth or fall victim to its demands. Citing scripture, he underscores the importance of stewardship, suggesting that a significant portion of biblical teachings focus on how we manage resources. The lecture references the parable of the talents to emphasize that those who responsibly manage their resources demonstrate faithfulness, while those who fail become complacent and negligent.

The distinction between wealth and riches is further elucidated, illustrating that while riches may come easily and disappear just as quickly, true wealth is built through hard work, wisdom, and perseverance. Joyner argues that generational wealth, shaped by diligent efforts, remains resilient, contrasting the often volatile nature of quick financial gains seen in stock market trends. This analysis extends to a historical view of America’s economic landscape, revealing a tug-of-war between the pursuit of quick riches and the cultivation of lasting wealth. The consequences of this dynamic manifest in the political arena, where leaders promising quick fixes gain traction over those advocating for enduring solutions.

The discourse shifts to critique the evolving political landscape, suggesting that the increase in self-promoting politicians has diluted the effectiveness of governance. Rather than experienced leaders committed to the nation’s welfare, we see a rise in professional politicians focused primarily on preserving their positions. The lecture points to the challenges these leaders present; their often misguided policies arise from a lack of understanding, affecting economic stability and fostering unnecessary regulatory burdens.

Amid these challenges, Joyner expresses a sense of hope rooted in the resilience of the American economy, while also recognizing the increasing strain imposed by inefficient governmental practices and rising debt. He warns of a looming crisis, arguing that proactive measures are essential to prevent an economic collapse that would be far more challenging to rectify than addressing the issues beforehand. He contemplates the potential of an unshackled free market, envisioning a system capable of providing for all without fostering dependence on governmental aid.

The dangers of institutionalized charity are also addressed, as Joyner advocates for personal stewardship over governmental intervention in caring for the needy. He argues that authentic charity should be a personal responsibility rather than bureaucratic duty, as it enriches both the giver and the recipient. The discussion emphasizes the human element of charity and warns against the psychological and moral degradation that can accompany state-run welfare systems.

In closing, Joyner challenges the audience to reflect on the implications of tolerating poor governmental stewardship and calls for a return to personal responsibility in addressing societal needs. Citing the wisdom of historical figures like Martin Luther King, Jr., he underlines the urgency of acting upon ethical principles, emphasizing that the time to make improvements is always present. As he brings the lecture to a close, the emphasis on proactive stewardship resonates, serving as a rallying cry for individuals to reclaim their roles in fostering a more responsible and equitable economic future.

Brief Summary

This lecture by Chuck Christie explores "The Trap," Heritage Brief 19 by Rick Joyner, focusing on the free market's influence on creativity, economic stewardship, and the intertwining of financial and political discourse. Joyner presents a biblical perspective on money, warning against the idolization of wealth and emphasizing stewardship as a reflection of individual priorities. He contrasts true wealth, built through hard work, with fleeting riches from stock market trends and critiques the rise of self-serving politicians undermining effective governance. Amidst challenges posed by inefficient policies and rising debt, Joyner highlights the potential of a liberated free market and advocates for personal responsibility in charity over governmental intervention. The lecture concludes with a call to reclaim stewardship for a more equitable economic future.

Transcript

[0:08] Introduction to The Trap

[0:00] Hello again, this is Chuck Christie, bringing you another segment of the Morningstar Heritage Briefs. This episode is entitled, The Trap, Heritage Brief 19, by Rick Joyner. The development of the free market sparked the creation of many new products and services by releasing people to take initiative and be creative.

[0:26] As the main currency of this new and bold economy became stocks and bonds of the companies that produced and marketed these products, the stock and bond markets became the depository for most of the wealth of the entire developing world. As these markets could be accessed by virtually everyone in the free world, a large percentage of the population took advantage and began investing in them. Business news became a growing focus, and the economy became a primary factor in politics, eclipsing all other issues. We had entered the economic age. Biblical prophecy foretells this period, saying it will be a time when the hearts of everyone on earth will be revealed. Money, and how we handle it, has a way of revealing what our priorities really are, and, therefore, who we really are. Money can be the ultimate idol that we put our trust in instead of God. The test is whether we will rule over it or whether it will rule over us.

[1:36] It has been estimated that one-third to one-half of the teachings in Scripture on righteousness concerns stewardship. As Jesus taught in the parable of the talents, the servants who managed well what he entrusted to them were good and faithful, while those who did not were wicked and evil. The devotion we have to steward what he entrusts to us reflects the passion we have for him, and righteousness will be reflected in good stewardship.

[2:12] Wealth vs. Riches

[2:08] Scripture also makes an essential distinction between wealth and riches. Riches tend to come fast and easy and depart fast and easily, but wealth is the result of hard work, endurance, wisdom, and faithfulness. Wealth tends to endure even for generations, proving the saying, those who do not have the experience of making wealth will not have the wisdom to keep it. Those who make fast money in the stock market tend to lose it fast, too. Those who built great and enduring fortunes were mainly those who built great companies. As Scripture confirms, the great fortunes built with hard work, wisdom, and endurance have remained for generations.

[2:57] As we study the economic history of America, we can see a tug of war between those who seek quick riches and those who build enduring wealth. Both of these groups can impact the markets and the economy. The first for volatility, the latter for stability.

[3:16]Unfortunately, the political system that evolved to choose who ran for office became increasingly weighted toward those who promised cheap, easy, and fast solutions.

[3:32] Political Leadership Dilemmas

[3:29] However, it always seemed to turn out to be none of these. Instead of electing experienced and competent leaders, we began electing professional politicians whose highest priority was usually staying in office rather than doing what was best for the country.

[3:48] Politicians can be much better at campaigning and promoting themselves than actually managing and leading. The Scriptures warn us about those who promote themselves. The leaders that God called in Scripture were never self-promoting or seeking positions for themselves. Instead, they were busy doing their jobs. Whether it was shepherding sheep, farming, or fishing, they were being good stewards. Those who are arrogant enough to promote themselves will be arrogant enough to presume that they understand things they may actually not understand much at all, such as the economy. When they get into office, they will be prone to pass laws and regulations that are often counter to what is needed. Such burdensome, unnecessary laws and regulations are a vast, increasing extra burden on the economy. Yet our free market is so strong and resilient that it has carried this burden to date and kept going.

[4:54] Added to the burden of the entangling and useless regulations imposed on it, the American economy picks up the extra weight each year of the massive and increasingly inefficient federal government, with its growing debt.

[5:10] It is a marvel to many who really understand economics that our whole economy has not imploded. But thankfully, to date, it has not. However, we are inevitably getting closer to the point when it can no longer go on.

[5:32]The Burden of Government Regulations

[5:27] Fixing this after it has collapsed will be far more difficult than fixing it before a collapse. How well could the free market do if it were freed of the increasing and unnecessary burdens that have been heaped on it? It could easily feed, clothe, and house the population of the world very well and do it without making them slaves to government dependence. We have the resources to do this now. Still, they are being consumed and wasted by government incompetence, as well as by the time wasted on red tape and paperwork to ensure compliance with meaningless regulations and laws. There are always some who will need charity to survive, and it is one of the great biblical virtues to help the needy. This is an honor and an opportunity. The Lord said that how we treat even the least of his people, he takes it as the way that we treat him.

[6:29] The benefits he promises for those who help the poor, the needy, and the oppressed make charity one of the best investments we can make with our time and resources. This being understood, when charity is institutionalized, it is dehumanizing.

[6:54] The Role of Charity

[6:48] This leads to psychological bondage as well as spiritual and moral poverty. We can be thankful for a government that wants to help the needy and for the many people working in it that may be sincere in this, but the government is not capable of doing this well. If we really care about the needy, we will do the best that we can for them, which will require getting the government out of this business. Except for a few things. The Constitution actually gave the federal government the power to do. It does everything else very poorly.

[7:26] This is why the biblical exhortations to take care of the poor and needy were given to the people, not to government. Charity is meant to be personal, carried out by caring people, not by bureaucracies. There are few things more satisfying and edifying to the human soul than helping others. This is essential for a healthy soul. Those who should be helping the needy are deprived of this when the government takes it over. To paraphrase C.S. Lewis, if we are on the wrong road, it will never turn into the right road.

[8:08]The Wrong Road of Charity

[8:03] To get back on the right road, we must go back to where we missed the turn. We got on the wrong road by turning charity over to the government, and the problems will keep getting worse if we do not go back to where we made the wrong turn.

This is not in the political interest of many who got into office and stay in office, because they are dependent on the votes of those who are dependent on the government. These are thieves who are robbing the American people and the needy for their own political benefit. In a republic, they work for us. How long are we going to be poor stewards of what has been entrusted to us by tolerating such poor stewards to run our government? The time is always right to do what is right. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The difficult we do immediately, the impossible may take a little longer. Motto of the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion.

Copyright 2020 by Rick Joyner. All rights reserved.