Economic Empowerment Part 2: Prosperity With A Purpose Series

 I realize that this series makes people nervous

 I’ve preached ____ messages and need to bring a balanced diet

 I realize these are not heaven or hell issues

 But, I want to see you prosper in all ways

• You don’t do yourself any favors if you listen to me in a defensive posture

• Believe me when I say I didn’t come to Mount Vernon

• To get rich

 I am not trying to get something from you!

• I believe 3 things need to change for you to prosper and have Economic Empowerment

A – Perception (your mind

B– Praise (attitude)

C – Principles

A. Perception – the understanding or mentality

 Last week we dealt with

o New wine / old wine skins

 If you throw money at a problem it only creates a bigger problem

 Money isn’t your problem

o It’s what you think about money

 Many Christians have a poverty mindset

 This comes from Catholicism and the Dark Ages

 That taught everyone to take vows of poverty

 So they could be rich

 Then during the Great Depression

 We preached against (things)

 Because we love to spiritualize where we’re at

 Cadillac used to be a station wagon

 Hymns – “I am Satisfied with Just a Cottage Below”

 So some still think that Christians should take a vow of poverty

 Well I think sinners should take a vow of poverty!

 Jesus wasn’t poor

o How many of you had 3 Magi bringing you Gold when you were born?

o He travelled with 12 guys

 Doctors

 Business owners

 Tax collector

 A treasurer

 Taking a vow of poverty only elevates you from any responsibility to helping anyone, etc.

 (good Samaritan)

 I want you to change your mind because…

What changes in the mind

Will change in time

 You are kings (next week)

 I know this series isn’t for everyone because not everyone wants to be blessed.

 Mindsets that say poverty is more godly or wealth is more godly

o Remember, money isn’t good or bad

 In this section of changing your thinking/perception

 I want to primarily deal with a poverty mindset

 Because though many live in a good house

 Drive a decent car

 Never miss a meal

 And pay our bills on time

• Still live with a poverty mindset

 Book / Study

“The Framework for Understanding Poverty”

By Dr. Ruby Pain

 Lists some mindsets – or characteristics of a poverty lifestyle

1. Background Noise

• T.V. or radio – always on

• More than one person talking at a time

EXAMPLE: Thanksgiving at Patti’s

2. Significance of Entertainment

• Helps them escape from situations

• Entertainment is valued more than education

3. The Need of People

• One only has people to depend on to help them through

• Poor communities are sometimes closer

4. Matriarchal Structure

• Mother is the most dominant and seen position in the home

5. Survival Orientation

• Discussions of just getting by

• Discussions about academics and education is not a priority

• Your job is not a career

• Just a place to get a paycheck

6. The Identity of a Man

• Tied to a fighter and lover role

• Works hard physically

• Solves problems with fighting

o Coal Miners

o Bar room brawls

• Deals with things personally

7. The Identity of the Woman

• Is a martyr

• Always rescuing family

8. Ownership of People

• Don’t forget where you came from

9. Negative Story Telling

• Everything bad is made fun of

• Belittling – everything bad is funny

10. Discipline

• Punishment is about penance and forgiveness

• But not change

• Discipline is about making them feel bad – but not correction

11. Belief in Fate

• Luck – chance – lottery

• Never see millionaires in the lottery line

• Choice is seldom considered

• It’s just the way things are

12. Polarized Thinking

• I quit

• 1 way – My way – extremes

• Never options – how can we make it work

13. The Mating Dance

• Using the body in a sexual way

• If you have few financial resources – or education

• The way you attract someone is with your body

14. Time

• Occurs only in the present

• Never considering the future

• It’s all about now

15. Sense of Humor

• Always about people / pranks

16. Lack of Order and Organization

• Files – planners don’t exist

• Cluttered houses

• Lives in the moment

17. Not Emotionally Reserved When Angry

• You can’t tell people off