"I don't deserve nice things because other kids have less than me."
How it sounds in your head: When I want something, I think about kids in Africa who have nothing. My youth leader showed pictures of starving children. It feels selfish to want a new bike when they don't have food. God probably thinks I'm greedy.
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
-- John 10:10Source: Religious poverty gospel teaching children that wanting provision equals greed and that lack equals holiness.
The guilt is reinforced every time the church shows mission videos of suffering children. Wanting anything feels like betraying kids who have less, and he thinks humility means rejecting blessing.
Asked for wisdom, and God gave him that PLUS what he didn't ask for - riches and honor beyond any king. God wasn't offended by giving abundance - He delighted in it, saying no one would compare to Solomon's wealth.
I REFUSE the lie that receiving good things makes me greedy. IT IS WRITTEN that Jesus came to give me ABUNDANT life, not survival life. God grants me PLENTY of goods because that's His nature as a Father. IT IS WRITTEN that the BARAK blessing makes me blessed so I can BE a blessing. My receiving doesn't create anyone else's lack - that's enemy thinking. I am Abraham's seed, and Abraham was VERY RICH. God delights in prospering me just like He delighted in prospering Solomon beyond measure. Abundance is my Father's idea, not my greed.
Your Father doesn't want you living in guilt every time you receive something good. He wants you blessed and ENJOYING His provision so you can overflow to others - you can't give what you don't have, and His supply is limitless.