I bought a seven dollar pen because I always lose pens and I got sick of not caring. —Mitch Hedberg
More years ago, than I care to count, I traveled to Colombia with a sports team to experience the culture. So naturally, one night we ate at McDonald’s. A beggar was sitting by the front door with his hand out. I passed him by at first, but a tug on my heart told me I should give him something. So, I bought a Big Mac and gave it to him. I was expecting him to say “thank you,” but he didn’t. It was kind of awkward when I started to walk away. Then Poompt! The Big Mac hit me in the back of the head.
It looked like I was out the price of a burger, but I did learn a valuable lesson: When you do nice things for people, a lot of times you don’t get anything in return, directly.
God’s blessings aren’t always what you expect them to be, but they are very, very real. God’s Word identifies a “heart blessing” that will come as we surrender to the Spirit and allow Him to do this work of giving through us. When we give in the power of the Spirit, our heart is free to be His.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
Where do you want your heart to be focused? Put your money there first, and then your heart will follow. That makes sense, if you think about it. If you invest $150,000 in a restaurant, you’re going to be pretty eager to make sure that restaurant does well.
Jesus teaches us: Pour your treasure into what I treasure and your heart will be free to treasure Me. That’s the “heart blessing” of giving and one of the most important lessons we can learn.
Lord Jesus, right now, in a big or small way, stir up Your Spirit in me, and show me where You want to take my heart. I now ask, by faith, that You would show me how You want me to invest the treasure that You have lent me. I wait for Your leading, Lord. Amen.