Finding Financial Balance: GivingSample

GIVE TO GOD'S KINGDOM

In the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:13-21), Jesus tells of a man who had extra, and so he had a decision to make. He decided to spend all he had on one thing: his lifestyle. It appears he had one purpose: to “eat, drink, and be merry.” This man demonstrated an assumption that is easy to fall into — the assumption that lifestyle should keep pace with income. According to Jesus, there is much more to spend money on than upgrading your lifestyle. This is what Jesus points to a few verses down (Luke 12:31-34).

What the rich fool seemed to be unaware of was Kingdom needs. He seemed to be unaware of the principle of seeking God’s kingdom. For this man, the only concern was earthly wants. For anyone who finds themselves blessed with extra wealth as the rich fool was, Jesus says exactly what to do: “Sell your possessions and give to the needy.”

Are you the person who has extra? If you eat out, you have extra money! If you go to the movies, you have extra money! If you have a coffee habit, you have extra money! If you have a seasonal wardrobe and a wardrobe of clothes for various activities, you have extra money! How about a yard sale? Why do you have a yard sale? You’ve got so much extra stuff, you don’t even know what to do with it! Here’s a question you may have never asked that Jesus does ask. Why do you have so much extra?

The answer is clear. You have extra so that you can honor God with faithful giving. Faithful giving is giving for the work of God’s Kingdom. How do you give to God’s Kingdom? In verse 33, Jesus says “Give to the needy.” The needs are great, both physical and spiritual. We give to help the poor. We give so that many more may be rescued by the gospel of Jesus Christ and experience the joys of His Kingdom for eternity.

And if the blessing of others and seeing more souls added to the Kingdom isn’t enough for you, remember that giving isn’t about the loss of possessions. Jesus said that by giving, you are storing up treasures in heaven. With your treasures in heaven, that's where your heart will be also! And with your heart in heaven, you will view the stuff of this earth much differently!

Ask Yourself:

— How am I giving to the Kingdom of God?

— What are some of my habits that show that I have extra?

Pause to Pray: King of Kings, I want my heart to long for your wonderful Kingdom that lasts forever! I do not want to live for temporary things. How would you have me give to your Kingdom? Amen.

Take a Next Step: Start a conversation with a friend or family by asking the question: “Do you have extra money or stuff? If people from a poorer country could see what you and I have, how would they feel?”