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Fringe Benefits
It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Acts 20:35
We know of a man who is the chief executive officer for a municipal services firm. He and his wife give half of their income to God’s work each year. This man says, “My joy in giving comes from serving God in a way that I know He’s called me to and realizing that what I give is impacting people for Christ. It just feels wonderful and fulfilling.”
The more we give to God, the more we feel a sense of joy, and the more God delights in us. The Macedonian Christians understood this pleasure that comes from giving: “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2). Though they were poor, the Macedonians “pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing” (v. 4) in order to know “overflowing joy.”
The best reason for giving to God, however, is not to bring pleasure to your life today, but to reserve joy for the eternal tomorrow. Jesus advises us to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). He also instructs us to give to those less fortunate than ourselves, saying, “Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:14). We already know that heaven will be a place of rejoicing for every believer, yet those who give to God’s purposes are promised even more rewards.
To put it another way, giving to God is simply a good investment for your family. The fringe benefits alone will pay eternal dividends!
SMD
Excerpted from Night Light for Parents, used with permission.
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matt. 6:31-33, ESV)
The young man said to him, “All these [commandments] I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (Matt. 19:20-22, ESV)
“Financial Smarts in Marriage” (This article by Dr. Dobson is available on our website.)
About this Plan
The blessing of material wealth that many of us enjoy (especially when compared to the poverty that other nations experience) is something worth giving intentional thought (as well as thanksgiving). How are we to handle our finances? How can we exercise wise stewardship? How can we emphasize the eternal over the temporal? Even more, how can we train our children in this important realm of life? This week we’ll consider some ideas.
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