Child of God, the Lord gave himself for you, what shall you give for him? All that you have is not your own but was provided to you by God. He created everything; nothing is the handiwork of man outside the influence of God. Yes, he even invented money. And money, as well as anything else you have, is provided to you not only to assure your comfort and entertainment but also to prosper you so that you may be a help to others. Make the needs of others your own and help them, giving freely and cheerfully. Share what he has given you, and, in the process, please and honor him who has made you rich in Heaven.
Jesus told us to use our earthly resources to gain friends by making a real difference in their lives, and then lead them to him. Therefore, do not hold on tightly to what you have been blessed with, but share it for the greater good. The resources that God has entrusted to you should be used honorably and in a manner that is glorifying to him. To share is more than being nice; it is a form of thanksgiving and praise. Make the needs of others your concern and share as needed to provide relief from an immediate crisis. Let me emphasize share as needed, which may be more than you think you can let go of. Friend, letting go is the very point. Do not hoard for yourself for that brings no glory to God. Give, and then give some more. Such sacrifices please the Lord and bring glory to his name. Share more than just your treasure and possessions, but your heart, counsel, talent, and time, too. Your free and cheerful sharing of God’s gifts to you will indeed be a blessing to others, and to you as well.
Be careful to avoid using charity to heap praise upon yourself or to manipulate others for your devious uses. Generosity without God in it may be your way of seeking praise, to prove to yourself and others what a good person you are, or to gain an advantage. If these are your motives, your reward will be fleeting. Greed and ambition are worldly strivings that will only bring discontent to your heart. Your inner peace will be destroyed by a heart of discontent if you are spurred on in the pursuit of your own glory.
Every day, you will be tempted to think of and take care of yourself first. Does your mind busy itself with obsessions about how others may benefit you? Are you willing to sacrifice someone for your gain, or yourself for the sake of someone else? When you are faced with these questions, ask yourself, “Who is able to fill you with significance, man, or God?” Why would you be willing to be poured out and left with less in the evening than you had in the morning? Because it pleases the Lord. Why does it please the Lord? Your willing sacrifice of any of your resources shows that you have freed yourself of selfish motives and chosen to live a life aiming only to please God. When you are motivated only by your love of God, no sacrifice is too great, and no humiliation too painful. Sacrifice for the benefit of others out of reverence for Christ and give freely and unselfishly as he gave himself freely and unselfishly for you. Friend, set aside today any thoughts of worldly rewards and remember that whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Do not hesitate to give yourself away, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. May he always be well pleased with you! Amen.
