The Mike Winger Todd White Drama Just Took a Turn...

The Mike Winger / Todd White Drama Just Took a Turn... ![rw-book-cover](https://img.youtube.com/vi/RDSkhvuWYmA/maxresdefault.jpg) 🔗 **Source:** [The Mike Winger / Todd White Drama Just Took a Turn...](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDSkhvuWYmA) > [!note]+ Document Notes > tags: #prosperity-gospel #christian-ministry #financial-stewardship > author: Ruslan KD > source: YouTube > reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDSkhvuWYmA > date created: 2024-12-28 14:30 > > # 🏷️ Title: The Mike Winger / Todd White Drama Just Took a Turn... >  ## 🧰 Action Inbox - [H1] Examine Todd White's financial transparency claims vs. lifestyle evidence — 05:23 #ministry-accountability - [H2] Review biblical passages on work, wealth, and stewardship for balanced teaching — 10:45 #biblical-theology - [H3] Investigate prosperity gospel variations in charismatic vs. traditional contexts — 15:30 #theological-analysis ## 🧭 Table of Contents - [[#📝 Summary]] - [[#📖 Main Content]] - [[#🗒️ Notes]] - [[#📚 References]] - [[#🗣️ Paraphrase]] - [[#📰 Newsletter]] - [[#✅ Action Items]] - [[#🧪 Hypotheses]] - [[#📊 Methodology]] - [[#❓ Questions]] - [[#🔮 Future Research]] - [[#💡 Implications]] - [[#🧠 Learning Styles Assessment]] - [[#📊 Accessibility Assessment]] - [[#🌍 DEIB Assessment]] - [[#✅ Logical Validity]] - [[#🛡️ DARVO Analysis]] - [[#🎯 Conclusion]] ### 🔗 References - [Mike Winger's X Response](https://twitter.com/mikewinger) - [Godly Ambition Book](https://amazon.com) ## 📝 Summary - Todd White told students at his college that the American dream and homeownership represent an "American nightmare" - Mike Winger responded on X, highlighting the contradiction between White's anti-wealth messaging and his own $300k+ salary and expensive home - Ruslan critiques White's pattern of creating "superhero Christian" hierarchies while living lavishly off donations - The video argues for a balanced biblical view of money, work, and stewardship versus toxic prosperity teaching - Key concern: older wealthy ministers discouraging young people from developing skills and building wealth ## 📖 Main Content Todd White, a charismatic preacher, recently made viral comments condemning the American dream of homeownership as demonic. This prompted criticism from Mike Winger, who noted the hypocrisy of White's $300,000+ annual salary and gated home while discouraging others from wealth-building. Ruslan argues this represents a toxic pattern where wealthy ministry leaders create false spiritual hierarchies. White allegedly makes extreme claims (like 40-day fasts) while using supplements, positioning himself as a "superhero Christian" and others as "JV Christians." The core issue is misrepresenting biblical teaching about money. Scripture presents money as neutral - useful for serving others when properly stewarded. Passages like Ephesians 4:28 call former thieves to work productively and share with those in need, while Jeremiah 29 instructs exiled Israelites to build houses, plant gardens, and raise families in Babylon. ## 🗒️ Notes #### ⏱️ [00:00](https://youtu.be/RDSkhvuWYmA?t=0) — [H1] Todd White's viral anti-wealth message - Key idea: White tells students the American dream of homeownership is an "American nightmare" - Evidence: "The white picket fence and the American dream is a nightmare" #### ⏱️ [01:30](https://youtu.be/RDSkhvuWYmA?t=90) — [H2] Pattern of hyperbolic teaching - Key idea: White makes extreme claims that create spiritual hierarchies - Evidence: Claims 40-day fasts while allegedly using TRT, electrolytes, and protein shakes #### ⏱️ [03:45](https://youtu.be/RDSkhvuWYmA?t=225) — [H3] White's contradictory lifestyle - Key idea: Preaches against wealth while living lavishly - Evidence: "Don't let money rule you...money can't have you anymore" #### ⏱️ [05:23](https://youtu.be/RDSkhvuWYmA?t=323) — [H1] Mike Winger's response highlighting hypocrisy - Key idea: Winger exposes the contradiction between White's message and lifestyle - Evidence: "$300,000 a year salary...witnesses say he would give money away on camera only to ask ministry to reimburse him" #### ⏱️ [07:15](https://youtu.be/RDSkhvuWYmA?t=435) — [H2] Superhero Christian hierarchy problem - Key idea: Creates tiers of spirituality that harm believers - Evidence: "Positions him as superhero Christian while creating tier list of junior varsity Christians" #### ⏱️ [09:30](https://youtu.be/RDSkhvuWYmA?t=570) — [H3] Biblical view of money as neutral - Key idea: Money is a tool that can be used for good or evil - Evidence: "Money is like a brick - can build hospital or start riot" #### ⏱️ [10:45](https://youtu.be/RDSkhvuWYmA?t=645) — [H1] Ephesians 4:28 on productive work - Key idea: Former thieves must work to share with those in need - Evidence: "Must work doing something useful...that they may have something to share with those in need" #### ⏱️ [12:20](https://youtu.be/RDSkhvuWYmA?t=740) — [H2] First Timothy on providing for family - Key idea: Christians must provide for household and relatives - Evidence: "Anyone who does not provide...has denied the faith and is worse than non-believer" #### ⏱️ [13:45](https://youtu.be/RDSkhvuWYmA?t=825) — [H3] Proverbs on skill development - Key idea: Skilled workers receive greater opportunities - Evidence: "Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings" #### ⏱️ [15:30](https://youtu.be/RDSkhvuWYmA?t=930) — [H1] Jeremiah 29 instructions for exiles - Key idea: God instructs His people to build houses and settle down even in Babylon - Evidence: "Build houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat what they produce" #### ⏱️ [17:45](https://youtu.be/RDSkhvuWYmA?t=1065) — [H2] Multi-generational thinking - Key idea: Scripture encourages long-term family and community building - Evidence: "Marry and have sons and daughters...increase the number, do not decrease" #### ⏱️ [19:15](https://youtu.be/RDSkhvuWYmA?t=1155) — [H3] Harm to young people - Key idea: Anti-ambition teaching prevents skill development and purpose discovery - Evidence: "Young people do this without developing useful skills, without becoming competent" #### ⏱️ [21:30](https://youtu.be/RDSkhvuWYmA?t=1290) — [H2] Call for balanced discipleship - Key idea: Christians need grown-up conversations about calling, provision, and stewardship - Evidence: "Grown-up conversations about what it means to be a provider" ## 📚 References - [Todd White Ministries](https://toddwhite.org) - [Mike Winger YouTube Channel](https://youtube.com/@mikewinger) - [Godly Ambition by Ruslan](https://amazon.com) ## 🗣️ Paraphrase - Todd White creates false spiritual hierarchies by making extreme claims while living luxuriously off donations - Scripture presents a balanced view where money is neutral and productive work enables generous giving - Wealthy ministers discouraging young people from skill development and wealth-building is spiritually toxic ## 📰 Newsletter Young Christian leaders need clarity on biblical stewardship versus prosperity gospel extremes. Todd White's recent comments calling homeownership the "American nightmare" while earning $300k+ annually highlight a troubling pattern of wealthy ministers discouraging financial responsibility in others. Scripture offers a balanced path: money is neutral, productive work enables generous giving, and even exiled believers are called to build houses and raise families. The goal isn't wealth accumulation but faithful stewardship of our talents and resources. Resources: [Biblical Financial Principles](https://learn.wordpress.org/), [Stewardship Studies](https://developer.wordpress.org/), [Community Discussion](https://wp-cli.org/) ## ✅ Action Items #### Community - Maintainers: Develop balanced teaching resources on faith and finances - Contributors: Create discussion guides for young adult ministry leaders - Sponsors: Fund financial literacy programs in Christian education contexts #### Content Creation - Develop biblical stewardship curriculum countering prosperity gospel extremes - Create case studies examining ministry accountability and transparency - Produce resources helping young Christians discern healthy vs. toxic teaching ## 🧪 Hypotheses - Wealthy ministry leaders create anti-ambition messaging to maintain donation dependence - "Superhero Christian" hierarchies correlate with authoritarian ministry structures - Young Christians exposed to balanced stewardship teaching develop healthier financial practices - Prosperity gospel variations exist across denominational and cultural contexts ### 📊 Methodology - Content analysis of prosperity preachers' lifestyle vs. messaging consistency - Survey data on young Christians' financial attitudes and ministry influence - Longitudinal study tracking career development in different Christian education contexts ### ❓ Questions - How can churches teach biblical stewardship without falling into prosperity extremes? - What accountability mechanisms prevent ministry financial abuse? - How do anti-ambition messages affect young Christian career development? ### 🔮 Future Research - Comparative analysis of financial teaching across Christian traditions - Impact assessment of ministry accountability investigations - Longitudinal outcomes of different Christian financial discipleship approaches ### 💡 Implications - Practice: Churches need balanced financial discipleship curricula - Policy: Ministry transparency standards could prevent abuse - Education: Christian colleges should include practical stewardship training - Security: Financial accountability protects vulnerable donors ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment Reading level estimate: 10th Grade #### 👀 Visual learners - Present: Video format with speaker and text overlays - Improve: Charts comparing biblical passages, infographics on stewardship principles #### 🔊 Aural learners - Present: Full audio commentary and analysis available - Improve: Podcast version with discussion questions #### 🗣️ Verbal learners - Present: Clear definitions of prosperity gospel vs. biblical stewardship - Improve: Glossary of financial terms, verse-by-verse explanations #### 🧩 Kinesthetic learners - Present: Real-world examples and case studies - Improve: Budget worksheets, stewardship action plans #### 🧠 Logical learners - Present: Scripture comparison tables, logical argument structure - Improve: Decision trees for financial choices, systematic theology charts #### 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Social learners - Present: Community discussion prompts in comments - Improve: Small group study guides, peer accountability frameworks #### 🧘‍♀️ Solitary learners - Present: Individual reflection opportunities - Improve: Personal assessment tools, private study materials #### 🌿 Naturalistic learners - Present: Agricultural metaphors from biblical passages - Improve: Creation stewardship connections, sustainability principles ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment #### Screen reader semantics - Present: Clear video title and description structure - Improve: Transcript with speaker identification, chapter markers #### Keyboard navigation - Present: Standard YouTube controls accessible via keyboard - Improve: Custom timestamp navigation, skip-to-section options #### Contrast and readability - Present: High contrast video player interface - Improve: Subtitle customization options, font size controls #### Text resizing and reflow - Present: Responsive video player at different zoom levels - Improve: Transcript with adjustable text size #### Media and captions - Present: Auto-generated captions available - Improve: Professional captions with speaker identification, sound descriptions #### Forms and interactions - Present: Standard comment and subscription interfaces - Improve: Accessible feedback forms, structured discussion threading ### 🌍 DEIB Assessment #### Cultural breadth - Present: American Christian context primarily - Improve: Global perspectives on faith and economics, cross-cultural examples #### Inclusive language - Present: Generally accessible terminology with explanations - Improve: Define theological terms, avoid insider Christian jargon #### Neurodiversity support - Present: Clear structure with numbered points and timestamps - Improve: Content warnings for financial stress topics, shorter segment options #### Representation - Present: Male Christian perspective primarily represented - Improve: Diverse voices on stewardship, women and minority leader examples #### Psychological safety - Present: Respectful tone toward those affected by prosperity teaching - Improve: Trauma-informed approach to spiritual abuse, recovery resources ### ✅ Logical Validity #### Strong reasoning - Deductive strength: Solid syllogism from biblical principles to application - Inductive strength: Good pattern recognition across multiple prosperity teachers - Causal reasoning: Clear connection between teaching and harmful outcomes - Analogical strength: Effective "money as brick" analogy #### Fallacies - Ad hominem: Some personal attacks on White's lifestyle vs. addressing arguments systematically - False dilemma: Occasionally presents wealth vs. spirituality as binary choice #### Tone of voice - Overall tone: Passionate but measured, using appropriate righteous anger at spiritual harm ### 🛡️ DARVO Analysis - Deny: White's pattern of denying lifestyle inconsistencies while claiming persecution - Attack: Attacking critics as "religious" or legalistic when questioned about finances - Reverse victim/offender: Positioning wealthy ministers as persecuted truth-tellers while donors are portrayed as blessed to give - Emotional cues: Uses spiritual language to deflect accountability questions ## 🎯 Conclusion The controversy reveals a critical need for balanced biblical teaching on money, work, and stewardship. While avoiding prosperity gospel excess, churches must not swing to anti-ambition extremes that harm young people's development. Scripture calls for productive work, generous giving, and faithful stewardship - principles that build healthy communities rather than dependency on charismatic leaders. ## 🧱 Refactor Appendix ### 📚 Literature Split Pad Purpose: Stage CEE units that become Literature notes. Split level: H3 ### [H1] Prosperity gospel creates spiritual hierarchies > [!quote] [The Mike Winger / Todd White Drama Just Took a Turn...](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDSkhvuWYmA) by [[Ruslan KD]] via [[YouTube]]. Published 2024-12-28. Accessed 2024-12-28. > "Positions him as superhero Christian while creating tier list of junior varsity Christians." White's extreme claims create false spiritual hierarchies that harm believers. [view highlight](https://youtu.be/RDSkhvuWYmA?t=435#H1) #xref #articleseed ID:rw_2024001 ### [H2] Biblical stewardship requires productive work > [!quote] [The Mike Winger / Todd White Drama Just Took a Turn...](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDSkhvuWYmA) > "Must work doing something useful that they may have something to share with those in need." Ephesians 4:28 shows work enables generosity rather than just self-sustenance. [view highlight](https://youtu.be/RDSkhvuWYmA?t=645#H2) #xref ID:rw_2024002 --- ### 🔖 Atomic Split Pad (Zettel Candidates) Purpose: Promote reusable claims into Atomic notes. Split level: H4 #### [Z1] Ministry accountability prevents spiritual abuse - Applies when wealth accumulation contradicts anti-money messaging - Pointer to timestamp 05:23 - Links: [[Financial-Transparency]] [[Ministry-Ethics]] #### [Z2] Money neutrality enables proper stewardship - Scope: Biblical financial principles vs prosperity extremes - Pointer to timestamp 09:30 - Links: [[Biblical-Economics]] [[Stewardship-Theology]] --- ### ✏️ Fleeting Queue Purpose: Capture quick actions for Fleeting notes. - [F1] Research --- ## Full Transcript [00:01] All right, Todd White is at it again. [00:03] Now he is telling people at his college [00:06] that the American dream, particularly [00:08] owning a home, is a nightmare. Let's [00:12] jump into this clip. It's going viral [00:14] for all the wrong reasons. And it even [00:16] went viral enough to prompt a response [00:18] from Mike Winger on X for it. Let's take [00:20] a listen. How many of you struggle with [00:21] giving? I'm not taking another offering. [00:23] I just want to know for real like how [00:24] many of you struggle with giving? So, [00:26] all of you are givers. [00:28] How many of you are liars? [00:32] >> When so he's talking about people who [00:35] are giving and he's not giving another [00:37] offering. Then he calls them liars and [00:40] then he kind of goes on this tirade. [00:41] >> I say how many of you are how many of [00:43] you are givers and how many of you [00:44] struggle? Two or three people raise [00:46] their hand. And when I say how many of [00:47] you are givers like it's hard like this [00:51] is a big deal. Don't let money rule you. [00:53] Be very careful because it is absolutely [00:55] demonic. [00:56] >> Okay. Don't don't let money rule you. Uh [01:00] because if money rules you, I'm giving [01:02] the most charitable uh interpretation of [01:05] it. If you allow money to rule you, it [01:07] could be absolutely demonic. Okay. So, [01:09] so far so good. [01:10] >> Turn it around and believe God. Don't [01:12] let it rule. It ruled me my whole life [01:14] as a thief. And I'm not preaching on [01:15] money, but this is a big deal. [01:17] >> Okay. And and so his, you know, he has a [01:20] pretty wild testimony. He I think he [01:22] used to like scam and be a thief and uh [01:26] bipolar, schizophrenia, all those [01:27] things. Had an encounter with Jesus. Uh, [01:29] the reason why Todd White's been in hot [01:30] water, Mike Winger did a a rather long [01:33] video and offered him $100,000 for a [01:36] third party independent investigation to [01:38] step in that that Mike Winger's ministry [01:40] would pay for uh because there's been an [01:42] onslaught of ex employees and ex board [01:45] members that have came forward and said [01:47] that there was just flatout abuse of [01:48] money, misuse of money allegedly uh and [01:52] all those sorts of things. And so now, [01:54] you know, Todd is talking about uh [01:55] giving and he's not doing it in the [01:57] context of taking up an offering. But [01:58] what you'll notice is often times he'll [02:01] say something true and then he'll say [02:02] something wildly hyperbolic. He'll say [02:05] stuff like, "Yeah, fasting is good and [02:07] you should fast for 40 days uh and I [02:10] fast for 40 days without, you know, any [02:12] food." food and then you find out that [02:14] according allegedly with his friends [02:16] that he is on electrolytes and and on [02:19] TRT while he's fasting 40 days and [02:21] taking shakes and smoothies. He he he [02:24] has a pattern of doing this and what it [02:25] does is it positions him as like the [02:27] superhero Christian u while creating a [02:31] tier list of junior varsity Christians. [02:32] So if you can't fast for 40 days like [02:34] Todd White who's on TRT and electrolytes [02:36] and protein shakes allegedly uh then [02:38] you're not really doing it right. and [02:40] and and I I despise that hierarchy of uh [02:44] you know JV you're JV Christian if [02:47] you're not as holy as I am. Um and he's [02:49] done stuff like that about medicine uh [02:52] encouraging people to get off medicine [02:53] that had you know some people actually [02:55] have adverse effects to getting off a [02:57] medication they should have been on uh [02:59] because medicine is pharmarmacia. A lot [03:02] of hyperbole superhero Christian talk [03:04] and I I I I personally think it's [03:06] harmful. [03:06] >> You can't serve God in money. You can't. [03:09] Money doesn't make the world go around. [03:10] You grew up hearing that. [03:11] >> Okay. Cancer of God and money. Jesus did [03:14] say that. [03:15] >> All of us did. We grew up hearing the [03:17] the white picket fence in the f in the [03:19] American dream. The American dream is an [03:21] American nightmare. [03:23] The white picket fence [03:25] and the American dream is a nightmare. [03:28] Hey, this might be the most important [03:30] thing I say in this video. I think a lot [03:32] of us have been in seasons where we're [03:33] trying to figure out what am I actually [03:35] supposed to be doing with my life? Like [03:38] we want to be faithful. We want to build [03:40] something meaningful. But it's hard to [03:42] get real clarity on our purpose, our [03:44] direction, and what God's actually [03:46] calling us to do. And if you've been [03:48] struggling to figure that out, to get [03:50] clarity, that's exactly why I'm doing [03:52] the Godly ambition tour. We're kicking [03:54] this off April 10th in Chicago, then [03:56] April 12th in Pittsburgh. And these [03:58] nights are designed to help you get [04:00] clarity and actually move forward. This [04:02] is what my book, Godly Ambition, is all [04:04] about. It's currently a USA Today [04:07] bestseller and I wanted to bring these [04:09] ideas into a live experience. I'm doing [04:12] a full keynote breaking this down and [04:14] going deep. We've got new music, a live [04:17] podcast. I'm taking your questions in [04:18] the room and I've got a few things up my [04:21] sleeve for the night, too. So, yeah, I [04:23] love seeing you guys in the comments. I [04:25] love the chat. But this is one of those [04:27] things where being in the room is is [04:29] just going to hit different. So, tickets [04:30] start at $35. And if you want to go even [04:32] deeper, we've got premium tickets that [04:34] include a private Q&A before the show. [04:36] After Chicago and Pittsburgh, we'll also [04:38] be hitting DC, New York, LA, Atlanta, [04:40] and Tampa. So, we might be coming to a [04:42] city closer to you. But don't wait. Go [04:44] to roocad.com [04:46] or hit the pin comment and get your [04:48] tickets now. I'll see you in a room. [04:50] >> It's an American nightmare. It it is. [04:51] It's if that's all it is, then you're [04:53] serving that, not God. And that's really [04:54] twisted and it's really demonic. And it [04:56] comes from the way that seems right to a [04:57] man. It comes from the way we grew up. [04:58] All of us were raised the same way. I [05:00] mean, even if you're diligent and you're [05:02] a hard worker and this and that, the [05:03] goal is usually the family, the white [05:04] picket fence, the savings, the this, [05:06] that, and the other thing, but the goal [05:08] can't be that. The goal has to be Jesus. [05:10] >> Okay? The goal is the family, the house, [05:13] the white picket fence, [05:16] and the goal, if if the goal is that, [05:20] then that's bad. Now, I understand Jesus [05:23] has to be Lord over all those things, [05:25] but this is when I start railing about [05:27] like a toxic, poisonous view of money. [05:29] It's not just in the, you know, [05:33] sticklers for theology camp. It's in [05:35] charismatic guys like this. It's in [05:36] other folks saying stuff like all [05:38] ambition is evil. While ironically being [05:41] extremely ambitious and in Todd White's [05:43] case, being extremely successful and [05:44] wealthy, [05:45] >> like the white picket fence, the [05:46] savings, the this, that, and the other [05:48] thing. the savings. Okay, the family, [05:50] the house, the white picket fence, the [05:51] savings, the American dream, which is [05:53] usually like, hey, I I I want to have a [05:56] a dream to own a house someday and have [05:59] a family. [06:00] >> The goal can't be that. The goal has to [06:01] be Jesus. [06:03] >> And it's the it's the hardest thing. But [06:04] when we go after Jesus, money can't have [06:06] you anymore. [06:07] >> When you go after Jesus, money can't [06:08] have you anymore. Okay? [06:09] >> It can't [06:11] >> because if it does, it's the it's the [06:12] root of all evil because it's the love [06:14] of it. Because you can't love God and [06:16] love money. You love God. Period. Money [06:19] becomes your servant. It's no longer [06:20] your slave master. So, be careful. [06:22] >> Mike Winger rightfully pointed this out. [06:24] He said, "Todd White says people should [06:26] donate more to his ministry and that [06:28] owning a home isn't the American dream. [06:29] It's the American nightmare." This is [06:31] Todd White's home, which he owns. Mike [06:33] Ringer also went out to point out that [06:35] Todd, when they last reported on his [06:37] wages, made over $300,000 a year. [06:40] Witnesses say he would give money away [06:42] to people when on camera only to ask the [06:44] ministry to reimburse him for his [06:46] giving. This is another issue with the [06:47] entire video. He lives an uncommonly [06:50] lavish lifestyle from the donations he [06:52] asks for. Okay. Now, Ron Caner, who [06:56] apparently has been to Todd White's [06:57] house, says something like, "Hey, I'm [06:59] not sure about his white pickence. He [07:03] said he doesn't have a white pick [07:04] offense, but he has a gate that has to [07:05] open in order for you to drive onto his [07:07] property." [07:08] Man, there's so many issues with this. [07:10] Foundationally, what what's happening [07:11] here is you have folks who are much [07:15] older in their life that have worked [07:17] hard and that have attained exorbitant [07:20] amounts of wealth telling other young [07:22] people that that should be in seasons [07:25] where they're developing themselves, [07:26] becoming useful, having skills that can [07:29] serve people in those seasons that tell [07:32] them don't focus about those things [07:33] because money's evil. And again, I don't [07:36] want to do like the shameless godly [07:38] ambition plug, but I'm going to have to. [07:40] This is exactly what I'm talking about. [07:41] Like I I've talked about this before. [07:43] I've talked about some of the most [07:44] famous pastors in the world saying stuff [07:46] like all ambition is evil while omitting [07:48] the context of what's happening here. So [07:51] So Todd can sprinkle in a lot of [07:54] halftruths here. But when you actually [07:56] examine what the scriptures say about [07:58] money, um money is neutral. Okay? And [08:02] money is like a like like a brick. Like [08:04] a brick can be used to build a hospital [08:06] or a brick can be used to start a riot. [08:09] Right? That that is what money is. Okay? [08:11] It is it is a neutral thing. Now the [08:13] love of money is the root to all sorts [08:16] of evil. So when you prioritize money [08:18] over people, well then you tend to use [08:21] people to get money. What we should be [08:23] doing is we should be using money to [08:25] serve people and not using people to [08:28] serve money. That is the the the the [08:31] biblical framework of finances in a [08:33] nutshell. And in that you should be [08:36] generous. The people that I know who [08:38] tend who are followers of Jesus, now [08:40] this is huge caveat, who are followers [08:41] of Jesus and have the most amount of [08:43] money tend to be the most generous both [08:45] in the percentages that they give [08:46] towards charities and nonprofits and the [08:48] church and in the the gross overall [08:51] revenue that they generate. So, very [08:53] quickly, I want to go through a couple [08:55] of things that I think could help people [08:57] have a better framing and understanding [08:59] of this this financial situation. I [09:01] don't have time to go super exhaustive, [09:03] but I will say that there's quite a lot [09:04] in the scriptures. But remember when he [09:06] talks about being someone that was uh a [09:10] thief. Well, this is what Ephesians 4:28 [09:12] says. Anyone who has been stealing must [09:15] steal no longer, but must work doing [09:18] something useful with their own hands, [09:20] that they may have something to share [09:22] with those that are in need. Okay? So, [09:24] notice that those of those of us who've [09:26] ever stolen anything, we must steal no [09:28] longer, but it's not just stop stealing. [09:31] Okay? Yes, you should stop stealing. [09:32] Stealing is a sin, but must work doing [09:36] something useful with their own hands so [09:38] that they can just feed themselves. No. [09:41] So that they may have something to share [09:43] with those in need. The standard is, [09:46] hey, if you were a thief and you took [09:48] from others, you need to be in a [09:49] position where you don't just sustain [09:51] yourself, you actually are able to [09:53] sustain others and share with by some uh [09:55] with those in need. This is what first [09:57] Timothy says. Anyone who does not [09:58] provide for their relatives and [10:00] especially for their own household has [10:02] denied the faith and is worse than a [10:03] non-believer. This is in the context of [10:05] the church caring for widows and those [10:07] widows uh who have family should be [10:10] caring for their own. I what I despise [10:12] about the type of stuff that Todd White [10:14] has been saying is that it makes this [10:16] seem easy. Okay? And the reality is this [10:19] is not easy to provide for yourself to [10:22] have something to share with others and [10:23] to uh also provide for your household [10:26] and your extended family or your worst [10:27] than non-believer is a very high high [10:30] standard that we as Christians are [10:31] called to. Check this one out. This is [10:33] uh Proverbs 22:29. [10:36] Do you see someone skilled in their [10:37] work? They will serve before kings. They [10:40] will not serve before officials of low [10:42] rank. Now, this isn't saying every [10:43] single one of us is literally going to [10:44] serve before kings. But what this is [10:46] saying is if you're skilled, you will [10:50] have opportunities open up for you. [10:52] Okay? If you're not skilled, you won't. [10:54] Ecclesiastes [10:56] 3:12. [10:57] I know that there's nothing better for [10:59] people than to be happy and do good [11:02] while they live. That each of them may [11:04] eat and drink and find satisfaction in [11:06] all their toil. This is the gift of God [11:10] to be happy to eat and drink and to find [11:12] satisfaction in what you do for for [11:14] work. Psalm 128:1, "Blessed are all who [11:18] fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to [11:21] him. You will eat the fruit of your [11:23] labor. blessings and prosperity will be [11:26] yours. Okay? Now, this isn't a onetoone, [11:29] but generally speaking, in a in a [11:31] context where you're not being [11:32] oppressed, where you're not under Roman [11:34] occupation the way Jesus and the [11:36] disciples were, uh if you walk in [11:38] obedience to the Lord, especially in our [11:40] context and you're of able-bodied and [11:42] sound mind, you get to enjoy the fruit [11:44] of your labor. That doesn't mean every [11:46] single person is going to be rich. And [11:47] I'm not even saying that should be the [11:49] north star. The north star should always [11:51] be faithfulness. The north star should [11:53] not be about hey I'm just chasing [11:55] success because that is wrong. The north [11:57] star should be I am chasing stewardship [12:00] and management and being faithful to [12:02] what God has gifted me. This is what we [12:05] see in the parable of the talents. One [12:07] person's given five. One person's given [12:08] two. One person's given one. The one who [12:10] has five doubles up. The one who has two [12:13] doubles up. The one who has one buries [12:15] it. Jesus in the story comes back and [12:18] rebukes the wicked and lazy servant. The [12:20] very next thing in that passage in [12:22] Matthew 25, do you do your own homework? [12:24] And extra credit points is he talks [12:26] about the final judgment where uh those [12:29] who went and visited him in prison and [12:31] clothed him when he was naked and fed [12:32] him when he was hungry and they said, [12:33] "When did we do this to you?" And he [12:35] says, "What you've done to the least of [12:36] these you've done onto me." Right? And [12:38] those who didn't uh will be cast out. [12:40] And so what is what is that getting at? [12:42] Uh well, if it's going from the parable [12:44] of the talents, making the most of your [12:46] time, talent, and treasure into caring [12:48] for the least of these, that means how [12:49] faithful we are, what we've been given. [12:51] And all of us have different talents. [12:52] All of us have different abilities will [12:54] impact how much good we're able to do. [12:57] Now, he mentioned this idea of the [12:58] American dream is the American nightmare [13:00] and buying a house and all these things. [13:01] And I I get it. Consumerism and and [13:04] vanity is not good. But check out what [13:06] Jeremiah chapter 29 says about the [13:09] children uh uh in Babylon. children of [13:12] Israel cast into Babylon. This is this [13:14] is from this is from the Lord. Okay? And [13:15] I think this applies to us. This is not [13:17] our own home. Many people will say our [13:19] modern context is Babylon. We can talk [13:21] about America and how bad it is and all [13:22] those things are are fair in the west [13:25] and the consumer consumerism and all [13:27] those things. But check out what [13:28] Jeremiah 29:4 says. This is what the [13:30] Lord Almighty, the God of Israel says to [13:33] all those I carried into exile from [13:36] Jerusalem to Babylon. Okay. So God is [13:38] provident over their situation. God is [13:40] provident over whatever you're going [13:42] through, whatever I'm going through. [13:43] He's provident over those things. Okay? [13:45] He says, "Build houses and settle down." [13:49] But Todd White's telling you the [13:50] American dream is the American nightmare [13:52] to just own a home and have a family. [13:54] Yet, this is exactly what God is [13:56] prescribing the children of Israel while [13:58] they're in exile in Babylon. Build [13:59] houses and settle down. Plant gardens [14:01] and eat what they produce. Marry and [14:04] have sons and daughters. Whoa. Family. [14:08] You can't just Okay, they're being told [14:10] that the way you actually honor God in [14:12] exile, the way you honor God in a [14:15] situation that's not your home, is by [14:16] building houses and settling down, by [14:18] planting gardens and living off the [14:20] fruit of the land, to marry and have [14:22] sons and daughters, find wives for your [14:25] sons and daughters, and give your [14:26] daughters in marriage so that they too [14:28] may have sons and daughters. Increase [14:30] the number, do not decrease. Okay? How [14:33] can young people increase the number if [14:34] you're consistently force-feding them [14:37] this nonsense that to buy a home and to [14:40] have a family and to be successful is [14:42] evil and demonic because you need more [14:45] donations. This is talking about [14:47] multigenerationally thinking. Okay? So, [14:49] so it's it's telling the the children of [14:51] Israel to get married, to have kids, to [14:54] find uh spouses for their kids, and to [14:57] have grandkids. It's three generations [14:59] of thinking. Also seek the peace and [15:02] prosperity of the city to which I've [15:04] carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord [15:07] for it because if it prospers, you too [15:10] will prosper. I think one of the worst [15:13] things we could be telling young people [15:14] and especially young men is that oh man, [15:17] becoming successful is evil and the [15:18] American dream is demonic and don't [15:20] don't worry about these things. Just [15:22] give to my my ministry. And you know [15:24] what? You have folks in the world that [15:26] trick off their early 20s and mid20s by [15:28] going to college and having a college [15:29] experience and and and doing that whole [15:31] thing, which is stupid. But then you [15:33] have a whole group of these Christian [15:35] colleges that are often having young [15:37] people do this whole stuff in their in [15:40] their early 20s without developing any [15:41] useful skills, without actually becoming [15:44] competent in anything, without learning [15:46] financial literacy, without figuring out [15:48] what their purpose or their calling is. [15:50] uh in the name and in the guise of [15:52] ministry. And often it's a guy in a $300 [15:58] shirt in a $5,000 square foot home [16:01] making a $300,000 a year salary telling [16:04] them that they need to not focus on [16:06] money so he can get theirs. Friends, [16:09] this is toxic and unhealthy. This is [16:12] poison. This is poison to the soul of [16:14] young people. And I I'm not going to [16:17] just sit around and allow this sort of [16:19] nonsense to keep being spread. Again, [16:21] this is why I wrote godly ambition. [16:23] Okay? Because I think if we're honest, a [16:26] lot of us are in seasons where we've [16:27] been trying to figure out. We're trying [16:29] to figure out that what am I supposed to [16:30] be doing, Lord? What is my purpose? What [16:32] is my calling? You're trying to figure [16:33] out what you're supposed to be looking [16:35] to do with your life. And then a Todd [16:37] White comes along or some heresy hunter [16:39] comes along telling you, "Oh, money is [16:41] evil." And I'm not saying that we [16:42] shouldn't never hunt heresy and call out [16:43] heresy and bad teaching. We should, [16:45] okay? But we we we have these [16:47] conflicting voices, right? And at the [16:50] end of the day, we want to be faithful. [16:51] Every single one of us, we want to build [16:53] something, but it gets hard sometimes to [16:57] get clarity on purpose and clarity on [16:59] the these topics and financial literacy [17:01] and all these things, right? What what [17:04] is God actually calling you to do? And [17:06] so, I would highly recommend don't [17:08] listen to voices like that. Don't don't [17:11] don't consume this sort of stuff. It's [17:13] not It's actually not good for your [17:14] soul. Okay. Um, consume stuff that's [17:17] going to build you up. And I'm glad like [17:19] I I love when we can have grown-up [17:22] conversations about what it means to be [17:24] a provider. Grown-up conversations about [17:25] figuring out your calling and your [17:26] purpose in life. Grown-up conversations [17:28] about, hey, we got to take care of our [17:30] bodies. Every time I I I listen to Mike [17:32] Winger stream and he's talking about [17:33] going to the gym and and and and eating [17:35] better and all, I just go, yes. These [17:37] Yes. Because you don't just [17:39] compartmentalize your spiritual uh [17:42] well-being over here while the rest of [17:44] your life you're living carnal by not [17:46] taking care of yourself by by having [17:48] awful sleep by and this is not the [17:50] prosperity gospel. That's not what this [17:53] is. This is hey God created a cause and [17:55] effect reality a cause and effect [17:57] environment where man if you sow and and [18:00] you care for the land God will often [18:03] times send the rain and you will produce [18:04] a harvest. And so anyway, if you if [18:07] you're struggling with that, check out [18:09] Godly Ambition. Like read the book. It's [18:11] available on Audible. Uh you can get it [18:13] for like 20 bucks on on on Amazon. If [18:15] you're really struggling with that, read [18:17] the book. And if if you read the book [18:19] and you're like, "Hey, or you you you [18:21] understand the concept of a book, you [18:23] want to come hang out in person, that's [18:24] exactly why I'm doing uh the Godly [18:26] Ambition Tour. We're kicking off in [18:28] Chicago April 10th." Okay, that I'm [18:31] super excited about. It's my first [18:32] theater tour. I'm doing some new music. [18:34] I'll be doing a keynote, live Q&A, raw [18:36] conversations just like this one, taking [18:38] your guys' questions. Then right after [18:39] that, we're headed up to the Pittsburgh [18:41] area. And these dites, uh, you know, [18:44] then we're doing go DC, New York, um, [18:46] Tampa, all these things. But these [18:47] nights are designed to help you get [18:50] clarity and to actually figure out on [18:53] what you need to be doing in this next [18:54] season to move forward. Okay, that's [18:56] what the book is all about. And God, the [18:58] ambition is a USA Today bestseller now. [19:00] And I wanted to bring these ideas and [19:02] the poison that I'm seeing into a live [19:04] experience doing a keynote, new music, [19:07] live podcast, taking your guys' [19:08] questions. Got a few things up my [19:10] sleeve, too. So, anyway, I love seeing [19:11] you guys in the comments. Leave a [19:12] comment, like the video, let me know [19:13] where you're watching this from. I love [19:14] seeing the chat. But this is one of [19:17] those things that is just different [19:18] being in the room. And tickets are like [19:19] 35 bucks. If you want to go deeper, we [19:21] got a early bird uh earlier in the day [19:25] uh private Q&A before the show. After [19:27] Chicago and Pittsburgh, we're off to DC, [19:29] New York, LA, Atlanta, Tampa. Uh, and [19:31] then in the fall, we're doing Dallas and [19:33] Houston. Okay, so can't wait to see you [19:35] guys. Hit the link in the pin, comment, [19:37] uh, let me know what you guys think or [19:38] go to roostonkd.com for more [19:40] information. All right, I'll see you [19:40] later. Peace.  📄 **Full text:** ![[Full Document Contents/Articles/The Mike Winger Todd White Drama Just Took a Turn...|The Mike Winger / Todd White Drama Just Took a Turn..., YouTube]] ## Highlights - of hyperbole superhero Christian talk and I I I I personally think it's harmful. >> You can't serve God in money. You can't. Money doesn't make the world go around. You grew up hearing that. >> Okay. Cancer of God and money. Jesus did say that. >> All of us did. We grew up hearing the the white picket fence in the f in the American dream. The American dream is an American nightmare. The white picket fence and the American dream is a nightmare. Hey, this might be the most important ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01kmv711v2ed4xgrcn8wx0wwv5)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - >> The goal can't be that. The goal has to be Jesus. >> And it's the it's the hardest thing. But when we go after Jesus, money can't have you anymore. >> When you go after Jesus, money can't have you anymore. Okay? >> It can't >> because if it does, it's the it's the root of all evil because it's the love of it. Because you can't love God and love money. You love God. Period. Money becomes your servant. It's no longer your slave master. So, be careful. >> Mike Winger rightfully pointed this out. He said, "Todd White says people should donate more to his ministry and that owning a home isn't the American dream. It's the American nightmare." This is ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01kmv711vk36azrxc0s1pkq4fh)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - be doing, Lord? What is my purpose? What is my calling? You're trying to figure out what you're supposed to be looking to do with your life. And then a Todd White comes along or some heresy hunter comes along telling you, "Oh, money is evil." And I'm not saying that we shouldn't never hunt heresy and call out heresy and bad teaching. We should, okay? But we we we have these conflicting voices, right? And at the end of the day, we want to be faithful. Every single one of us, we want to build something, but it gets hard sometimes to get clarity on purpose and clarity on the these topics and financial literacy ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01kmv711x984h0xfmdgjfpctte)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted