30, 60, 100

“You’re not gonna believe this!” Charlie exclaimed. “I was reading Mark 4 and it really hit me, I mean, I really got it!”

“Tell me, I can’t wait to hear this!” I said, enthusiastically.

Charlie’s entire demeanor has changed since the first time we met. He’s gone from being skeptical and really bothered by the topic of giving to being excited to share what he learned. God is working in his heart for sure.

“So, I know God’s word is living and powerful, but I didn’t realize it could actually be choked out,” he shared. “Something actually has the power to choke out God’s word in the lives of his followers. And that it is not only money, but the worries of life, and the lure of wealth. It is deceitful. Wealth and money give a false sense of security and at the same time cause all kinds of stress. God is our source, God owns it all and money is only bad when it’s not put in its proper place.”

I sat in amazement that Charlie picked up on this. Many people read that parable and gloss right over it, but it’s so rich with truth and wisdom. “Charlie, man, I’m really impressed. It took me years to really understand that. I want to give God’s word good rich soil to grow in. And when we do, God’s word produces a harvest of 30, 60, or even 100 times as much as was planted. But as long as money is in first place, as long as our fists are clenched, unwilling to surrender to God, His word will not have room to grow. And that’s a major problem. Letting go of the grip money has on us is gaining an entirely different relationship with God. By giving, and giving cheerfully and willingly back to God, we swing the door wide open for God to do amazing things in our life.”

We sat there in silence for a moment, letting it sink in. “Charlie, are you ready to put God first, with no competitors in your heart?”

“Yes, I am. It won’t always be easy, but I refuse to be deceived by money. And, I like to think I can’t be bought. Nothing can convince me to put Jesus in second place.”

“Exactly,” I said, “Jesus isn’t going to share the throne. Like we said earlier, He wants to be first in all areas of our lives.”

As we continued to discuss God’s word and what it means to give God our full hearts, Charlie shared one more thing with me before we left for the day. “I want to tell you something. I want to thank you for being patient and kind with me. I know it wasn’t easy at times. But you hung in there with me and believed in me. I know I will always be on a journey with God, and I don’t have it all figured out, but money was one topic I originally refused to let God in on. He really changed my heart and I thank you for helping with that.”

I have to admit, my eyes got a little moist. Must be the steam from the coffee. “Charlie, I was in your shoes years ago. Thank you for letting me speak into your life. Thanks for being willing to learn. I’m glad God put you in my life. God continues to transform me. He is transforming you too. Let’s do this life together, encouraging each other to make sure Jesus remains on the throne in our hearts.”

Charlie stood up and put his coat on. “Same place, same time?”

Glad he wanted to continue to meet, I replied, “Same place, same time my friend.”