What do you treasure?
These days, advertisements come at you from every direction—television
and radio, newspapers and magazines, the Internet and even your cell phone.
It’s easy to see how people become obsessed with accumulating wealth and
acquiring possessions when everything imaginable seems within reach. People
often joke that whoever has the most toys at the end of the game wins. Taken
seriously, however, that philosophy reflects the core value of a
self-centered, materialistic culture.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke clearly about setting our
priorities straight.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust
destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves
treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves
do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will
be also.”
(Matthew 6: 19-21)
As Christians, we know that God owns everything and that we are here to
manage what he has entrusted to our care. That’s what stewardship is . . .
managing the gifts God gives us in ways that glorify Him. We enter this
world with nothing, and we take nothing with us when we die. Sure, having
adequate financial resources and creature comforts may make certain aspects
of our lives seem easier, but they can be a real stumbling block to our
spiritual lives. Why? Money often obscures our need for God.
The following links will help you learn more about why we should give and
how we can support the work of God's Kingdom through our financial gifts.
Giving to God, being faithful stewards of his financial blessings—this is
what He calls us to do, this is how we enrich our lives spiritually. The
chance to give back to God what is already His is a blessing we should
treasure.
This website has lots of resources to help you make an informed decision
and commitment to practice Christian generosity. Spend a few
minutes and browse around.
