What would you do if you were given one million dollars? For most, that would cover all debt and allow for some fun shopping trips. Perhaps a new car, a new or completely renovated home, a refreshed wardrobe—and a personal trainer to help you fit into it!
You could also do a lot of good with that much money. You probably have family and friends who are struggling, and a gift of $25,000 would make a world of difference for them. Another idea would be to bring $1,000 to church every week and ask the Lord who you should give it to. By the way, I’m assuming you’ve already at least tithed off the one million and that these gifts are above and beyond your tithe. I don’t want to reduce your blessing!
So, at what point do you begin to feel uncomfortable with how much money you’re giving away? Does that needy family member really need $25,000? Perhaps they could get by with $100. Or maybe the Lord is disciplining them in their difficulty and my gift wouldn’t let them learn that lesson. If you’re not careful, you’ll blow that million dollars before you know it. And is $1,000 every week a good idea? Maybe that’s excessive. How about $20 per week?
You see where I’m going with this? Money has a hold on our hearts. We fell in love with it a long time ago, and even though our true Master is Jesus, money isn’t going down without a fight. Which means we have to fight it, because Jesus said we have to choose between Him and money (Matthew 6:24).
One of the best ways to fight the love of money is to meditate on a simple profound truth in God’s Word: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Think about that. You are more blessed if you give rather than receive. You are more blessed if you give than keep. You are more blessed if you give than if you spend it on yourself.
The Lord wants to bless you. He’s told us how to be blessed when it comes to money and possessions. May the Lord help us not to become satisfied with less than His best!
For His glory,
Bill Bertsche
Executive Pastor
