Proverbs 11:25,28—A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed . . . Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
There are few things which reveal a person’s heart so well as money. Consider the rich young man Jesus met (Matthew
If variety is the spice of life, money is the main course. A rich man could not let go of his possessions to gain eternal life. How tragically absurd! Why would a sincere man forfeit his ability to gain eternal life to enjoy a fleeting affair with finances?
There is nothing corrupt about coins or currency. Money is a necessary commodity for acquiring goods or services. What is dangerous is the excessive preoccupation people have for it. Money can effect the poor as much as the rich for craving can be as debilitating as clutching. Is it this unhealthy fixation which birthed the saying, “money is the root of all evil?” Consider three of the most visible tentacles protruding from this over-watered root:
Greed—“An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth.”
Stinginess—“implies absence of generosity and often an inclination toward meanness of spirit.”
Idolatry—“Blind or excessive devotion to something.”*
If you believe you have a healthy handle on money you are a blessed person. No doubt you are experiencing the fruit of joy that comes from being generous. But before you or I merrily proceed down the path of bliss we ought to consider this: A close examination of Scripture reveals that the Israelites were expected to give over 20% of their income to God and His work. In our day it is not uncommon to hear brave pastors challenge their congregation to tithe 10% of their income. Perhaps no one has ever challenged you. So here's a self-test I encourage you to take.
¨ Am I willing to give 10% of my income to further the Lord’s work?
¨ What thoughts go through my mind when asked to give?
¨ Do the gears of rationalization begin turning?
¨ Do I resent that this subject has been raised and wish to avoid it altogether?
¨ Am I too attached to my lifestyle and income to make sacrifices?
¨ Do I give only when it is convenient?
¨ Do I know how to give sacrificially?
How you and I answer these questions will reveal much about our character and how we are influenced by money.
It was a sad day for Jesus when the rich man walked away. It will be a sad day again if we forsake the cost of discipleship for the accumulation of wealth. There is a world out there starving to hear the good news, desperate for Bibles in their own languages, hungry for someone to come and teach words of life. They're not interested in how comfortable we are. Neither is Jesus, Who said, “If any man would come after Me he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). The word was deny not delight.
Don't fall victim to present temptations at the expense of future blessings. Jesus promised, “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for My sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29). Now that's what I call a dividend!
*The American Heritage Dictionary
Inspiration
