No one has ever become poor by giving. —Anne Frank
We are constantly bombarded in today’s culture to spend our money on things we “deserve.” But God doesn’t necessarily see money as a tool to bless ourselves; He sees money as our tool to bless others.
John Calvin once said, “A man’s opportunities to do good for others increase with the abundance of his riches.” As God gives you more, naturally you have more opportunity to do good in people’s lives.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. (1 Timothy 6:17-18)
If you are above the American poverty line, you are “rich in this present world.” And even giving just a little goes a very long way. Compassion International offers the opportunity for people to feed, clothe, and educate poverty-stricken kids for $38/month! World Vision has a program where you can provide small business loans to families so they can get the supplies and equipment they need to provide long-term for their basic needs.
God pours blessings and gifts into our lives so we can be blessings to others. Paul just comes out and says, “Be generous and willing to share.” But it doesn’t end there. Generosity is God’s way to bless us:
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 6:19)
God is reaching out, right now, offering a different way to live. The result is a freedom and satisfaction that cannot be matched by anything you could buy. Are you ready to take hold of that which is “truly life?”
God, set my priorities straight. Make my heart compassionate and loving like Yours. Today, show me one special place where the money You have entrusted to me can be a blessing to someone else. I thank You ahead of time for the opportunity to be used in this way. Amen.