GREED, GIVING, AND GLORY!

Greed, Giving, and Glory

By David Ritter

"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15).  Jesus was blunt when it came to money, greed, and wealth, and warned us to remember where our true wealth lies.

We fall on dangerous territory when we are enticed to build up our wealth for this life and neglect the eternal work of the Lord.  Jesus does not condemn those who wisely save up for their retirement; rather, he encourages us to live as good stewards of the money God gives us. God will take care of our own needs when we make our priority to help with the needs of others. 

Jesus says, “Seek the Kingdom of God first, and your needs will be met.”  What does seeking the Kingdom of God mean?  Jesus challenges us to think beyond the possessions we have and use our gifts, money, and abilities to further God’s Kingdom here on Earth.

The key to using money wisely is to see how much we can dedicate for God’s purposes, not how much we can gain for ourselves. If we accumulate wealth only to enrich ourselves, then we most certainly will enter eternity empty-handed!  The greedy that don’t give will lose sight of God’s glory.

Does God’s love have a place in your wallet? Does your money have a grasp on you, or do you use it to help others?  If your financial goals prevent you from giving generously, loving others, or serving God with your money, it would be better to sell or give away what you have so that your perspective on eternal life is clear.

Remember, we can never “out-give” God!  “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure will be poured out upon you, pressed down, shaken together and running over!  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).

Give generously to the work of the Lord and you will experience God’s glory…it’s a promise!