Well, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, isn’t it? It’s that time we look back to see how we did last year. Reminding ourselves how wise or how foolish we were with what we had. Yes, I’m talking about tax season.
If you’re like me, you have an eternal love-hate relationship with money. On the one hand, you love it because it brings a sort of security and comfort to your life. On the other hand, you hate it because it never sticks around very long.
This is supposed to be an encouraging devotional so let’s not get started on how fast the government takes their demanded portion.
With all of the ups and downs that come with greenbacks, it’s essential to look at what the ALMIGHTY has to say about the almighty dollar.
There are really only two ways to handle money. Generously or selfishly. (I wonder which one you are?)
It might surprise you to know that God tells us pastors to teach you not to be selfish with your money. Gasp!
Paul made this clear when he instructed a young pastor by the name of Timothy on what to teach his church about money.
He said, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain.” (1 Timothy 6:17)
Now let’s be clear, a command is not a suggestion; it’s a direct order. The problem with having money is that it gives you a false sense of security. And when we have lots of money, it can make us feel invisible to problems and superior to others.
This can be very dangerous to our spiritual lives. That’s why Paul told Timothy to “COMMAND” them not to be arrogant and secure in their wealth. This command applies to you.
As you might know, “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10) Don’t let that be you!
The good news is that Paul doesn’t leave us hanging with the downers of money. He actually tells us how to make our financial situation work for good and the glory of God.
He said, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 1:18-19)
We can say a lot about this passage, but I just want to point out two things.
1. God COMMANDS his people, that’s you, to be financially generous.
There’s no getting around this. It’s all through the Bible. If you’re not giving, you’re missing the whole reason God has blessed you with money to begin with.
Let me be clear. According to God’s word, your finances are for doing good, sharing with others, and building his kingdom. Do you need to pay your bills and make a living? Yes!
But if your money starts and ends with your needs, you’ve missed the whole point.
2. What you do with your money matters for eternity.
I know this might be a tough pill to swallow at first, so let me help you with this in one life-changing sentence.
God blesses generosity both in this life and in the one to come.
When you use your financial situation for good, God said you’re paying it forward in eternity. Now I’ll be honest with you, I have no idea what this looks like. We won’t know until we get there.
But let me just ask you this. Do you really want to miss out on “laying up a firm foundation for the coming age?” Or are you willing to settle for not taking “hold of the life that is truly life?”
If you’re not giving, you’re not truly living.
So, here’s my challenge in one word, or better yet, here’s my command; GIVE! Be a generous person with whatever resources God has blessed you with. I promise that you’ll never regret it. Not even in eternity.
Think about it:
- Would your friends say you’re generous?
- Would God say you’re generous?
Verse of the Day:
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 1:18-19)
