Let's talk about money, because Jesus talked about money—a lot.
He spoke about wealth, possessions, generosity, greed, contentment, and giving because what we do with our money reveals something about our hearts. Money is never merely financial. It is spiritual.
Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21 In other words, watch your wallet and you'll find what you worship. Hang on to that convicting line for a moment.
Throughout the Old Testament, God taught His people to give Him their first and best: “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” — Proverbs 3:9
God wasn't supposed to get whatever was left over. His people brought the firstfruits. Meaning, the first and best of what He had given them. The Old Testament also established the tithe, literally a tenth, as a regular pattern of giving to God. For example, if you received $10,000 on the 1st of the month, they would give God $1,000 that same day, not wait and see what was left on the 31st.
And when we come to the New Testament, the emphasis doesn't become give less. It moves beyond simply asking whether we've met a percentage toward joyful, willing, radical, and even sacrificial generosity.
Why? Because we've encountered Jesus. Let me show you.
Look at Zacchaeus. He spent his life taking money from people and patting the bank. Then he encountered Jesus and suddenly declared, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor.” (Luke 19:8) Nobody had to pry the money from his hands. Meeting Jesus changed what he treasured, and one of the first visible evidences of his transformed heart was radical generosity.
Now compare him with the rich young ruler. Jesus centers in on the man's wealth, and the man walked away sorrowful because he had great possessions. He wanted Jesus, but not more than he wanted his money. The stewardship of their wealth revealed where both men's hearts were. Or to put it another way, watching their wallets revealed what they worshiped.
That's why Jesus warns us: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:19–21
And just a few verses later: “You cannot serve God and money.” — Matthew 6:24
Following Jesus changes the question we ask about our money. Instead of “How much do I have to give God?” or “How much will I have left to give?”, disciples increasingly begin asking: “God, how much of what You've entrusted to me can I use for Your glory?”
Everything we have came from Him. And far more importantly, God has already given His first and best to us. He gave us His Son. Jesus gave us Himself. So Christian generosity doesn't flow primarily from obligation. It flows from gratitude.
Therefore, "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
This week: Take an honest look at your giving. If giving is not already a regular rhythm of your discipleship, begin giving gratefully. If you already give regularly, ask whether God might be inviting you beyond comfortable giving toward joyful, sacrificial, and radical generosity.
Pray: “Jesus, everything I have comes from You and belongs to You. Teach me to hold it with open hands and use it for Your glory and to advance Your Kingdom.”
Don't give God what's left. Give Him your first and best.