May 21, 2021 – Click here to listen
There is an old American proverb that states: “It’s easy for a stingy man to get rich – but what’s the use?”
I believe that we should live life to its fullest and totally enjoy whatever blessings God bestows upon us personally; however, in order to pull that off, we must be generous to others too.
Worried about the return on your investment? The Bible teaches that you cannot out-give God. Blessings are plentiful to those who are willing to obey God’s command to tithe and also to share a portion of what God has given us with others who are less fortunate by giving gifts over and above our tithes.
I can vouch for receiving a heaping of blessings from God that tremendously exceeds whatever I have given to advance God’s kingdom and can tell you unequivocally that it is a wonderful feeling to help others. As I look back on it, I cannot think of anything that I have done that I consider more rewarding than helping someone.
If you simply cannot afford financially to give much of anything, then perhaps you could read to someone who is in the hospital or volunteer your time to work at some worthwhile organization that you admire. We are accountable for using a portion of what we have been given to help others, be it finance, or talent, or both, and to further God’s work.
We have been commanded to do this by a God who wants us to love each other. Luke 12:48 – For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required. He doesn’t want us to give merely because of his commandments. He wants us to emulate Him in a spirit of love and to do it because it is the “right” thing to do.
I will offer one word of caution. All causes are not equal and some recipients have squandered what has been given to them. It is better to check them out and give your hard earned money to an entity that needs help and will spend it wisely for the cause for which it was intended.
Remember that we are mere stewards of assets that belong to God, and we will be held accountable. Jesus told the parable of the three men who were each given money. The two who invested it responsibly were given more; the one who just hung on to it and buried it had his taken away from him.
Invest in the heavenly kingdom that will never disappear and not in an earthly kingdom that will be gone and soon forgotten.
2 Corinthians 9:7
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, and not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!