The Bible makes clear that God doesn’t begrudge His people the rewards of a life well lived. He doesn’t call someone a fool because he’s successful. God calls anyone who has stored up things ONLY FOR HIMSELF a fool. Instead of recognizing God’s blessing and working to build God’s kingdom, some people will try to build their own kingdoms.
Earlier this week I left you with the idea that God hasn’t given us what we have as cash to stash but has entrusted us with money to manage. The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 teaches that when you’re given something, you’re to invest it, not burry it and leave it in the ground where it can’t bless anyone. As this giving series has come to an end, I hope it has encouraged you to recognize God’s blessings and find ways to use any amount of wealth to be generous toward others. You can even start small, by leaving a generous tip (which might not be such a small thing to the person receiving it), or by helping a family with groceries. If you want God to trust you with great things, think of all giving opportunities as great!
The Bible says in Matthew 6: 19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth not rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Did you hear that? “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If you place more value on your money and possessions than you do on God and other people, you really have nothing. You’ll feel wealthy when you care more about the needs of others than your own needs. You can’t be loving without being generous!