Facing the Giant of Money预览

Money matters 

‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’ Matthew 6:21 NIV 

The Bible says, ‘Jesus sat down...and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury’ (Mark 12:41 NIV). Would your giving change if Jesus were passing the plate or watching you write the cheque? (Actually He does!) Each time you’re asked to give, He sees: 

1) your obedience 

2) your consistency 

3) your generosity (or the lack of it!). 

He doesn’t really measure you by how much you give, but by how much you have to give and what you keep for yourself. That’s why He says, ‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’ (Matthew 6:21 NIV). Now since your kingdom is destined to go up in smoke and His shall have no end, it’s not hard to figure out where the smart money should go. Yet who among us hasn’t been more excited about a dream home here than a heavenly home there? 

That’s why Jesus keeps challenging our perspectives! Ever notice how many people rush to endow God’s work on the eve of their departure? That’s because you get better perspective from a hearse. What Jesus is saying is, ‘You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead’ (Matthew 6:20, paraphrased). 

Thank God for benevolent bequests, but don’t you think it would be smarter to give earlier and experience the double blessing of having your money extend His kingdom while you’re still here to enjoy it? 

Bottom line: if you want to know what’s most important to you, look at your cheque book. 

Prayer Point:

Help me to stop planning my giving, Lord, which reduces the opportunity to be led by the Holy Spirit in my giving. When I feel moved to give, let me follow through on that, as I might well be the miracle someone needs. Lord, I know my finance is a tool in Your kingdom, and I pray I will be a good administrator of all that You have blessed me with. Amen.