“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. 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.” 

One of the key characteristics of a Christ follower is that they are generous. Financially generous to God and to those who have needs. In fact, Jesus talked more about money and possessions than almost any other subject, because how we use our financial resources is a true indicator of where our hearts actually are. Those who are not generous cannot say that they are fully devoted followers of Jesus, because generosity is a mark of a true disciple.

Many of us would say that we are not rich, so this passage does not apply to us. But here is something to consider. An income of $32,400 per year would allow someone to be among the top 1% of income earners in the world. By world standards most of us are rich, but even that is not the point. In 2 Corinthians nine, Paul gently scolds the Corinthians for being stingy, even though they were wealthy, and he does so by talking about the generosity of the Macedonian Christians who were exceedingly poor. 

He says about these Christians who lived in relative poverty: “And no, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will...Just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:1-9).

What is interesting in our passage for today, is that Paul says that our generosity lays up treasure for ourselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that we may take hold of the life that is truly life. We cannot take our wealth with us, but in living with generosity we are actually making eternal investments in the future life with Christ.

Without a doubt, financial generosity is hard for those who are not used to it. The pull of money on our lives is so strong. I have had people honestly say to me, “The one thing I cannot do is give God my finances.” I appreciate the honesty, but they are losing the blessings of God. This is the one area of our lives where God says “‘Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have enough room for it.’” (Malachi 3:10). I don’t know about you, but I would rather have God open the floodgates of heaven and fill my life to overflowing with His blessings, than hang on to my money. That is the best investment we could make.

Father,  after all the gifts you have lavished on me, how can I not be generous with You. Teach me that I cannot out-give You, and that the way to loosening my grip on money and possessions is to give them away. Help me to be generous with what You have provided me. Give me a generous heart. Amen.