“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.” (NIV)
THE TWO BIG REASONS TO GIVE
1. Giving is your investment in eternity. It is your eternal investment account. The Christian life is all about giving, and we are not just talking about money. Giving includes giving one’s self, time, talent, and treasure.
Only two things will last for all of eternity: God’s Word will endure forever, and the souls of people will live forever in one of two places. Everything else perishes. Everything you and I can see and touch is going to perish.
Our relationship with Jesus Christ will determine WHERE we live in eternity. How we spend our time, talent, and treasure will determine HOW we live in eternity.
2. Giving is the MAJOR GATEWAY for God to work big time in the life of the believer now!
To enjoy the benefits of God working in our lives now, we want to do our giving while we are living.We know this because God loves a cheerful giver. “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8, NKJV)
We are not talking the so-called prosperity gospel here. Those that promote that philosophy are indeed having a negative impact on the body of Christ. Legend says all of the apostles, with the exception of John, died a martyr’s death. John died in exile on the Isle of Patmos. He certainly wasn’t rich materially.
We do not see the prosperity gospel in the life of Paul when we read about the litany of beatings, jail time, hardships, and shipwrecks, etc. Throughout history, many Christians have faced horrible persecutions and deaths, and in many parts the world today, the same persecutions are taking place.
However, cheerful givers and investors of their 3 Ts in the imperishable values of the kingdom place themselves in a position where God can literally release the benefits of all spiritual and earthly grace in their lives subject to his sovereignty. This is why giving while we are living is critical if we want to increase the odds of God working in our lives and circumstances so we can be a blessing to other people.
The KingdomNomics thinker will take the steps necessary to have this concept operational in life now: “This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’” (Ephesians 5:14, NIV)
When Christ shines on us, things happen! His favor shines on us, so we can be a blessing to the people of our time!
I, for one, want to place myself in a position where God can feel free to work in my life. “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9, ESV)
Today, ask yourself:
Am I really aware how important the concept of giving or investing is regarding eternal values?
Am I aware GIVING is the MAJOR GATEWAY for placing myself in a position where God can feel free to shower me with the benefits of his grace, so I can be a blessing to other people in this world?
Pray:
Today, Father, I pray you will mold me into being a vessel of blessing to the people you bring across my path in life. In Jesus’ name, I ask this.
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