Giving: How Generosity Transforms Your Life—Jesus’ Wisdom on Money
The struggle with money and finances is a significant part of many people’s daily lives. It’s no wonder, given the pressure to accumulate more and the financial challenges that arise, whether through inflation, rising housing costs, or unexpected expenses. Still, there’s a way to live free from the stress that comes from serving money. Read on to find out how a “Kingdom mindset” around money leads not only to financial peace but also to a more fulfilled life. Click the link above for the full message.
The Pursuit of Possessions
Our society pushes a relentless desire to possess. We are constantly inundated with messages that a better life is just one more purchase away. Advertisements, social media influencers, and lifestyle trends all fuel this idea: more is better. The result is a culture where we strive to achieve and accumulate as much as possible, often at the cost of our emotional and spiritual well-being.
But this endless pursuit has led to what some might call a psychotic obsession with affluence. We feel rushed, anxious, and overwhelmed, constantly worried that we don’t have enough. The pressure to keep up is real, but there is a way to break free from this vicious cycle.
What Does Jesus Say About Money?
Money was no small topic in Jesus’ teachings. In fact, nearly 25% of His recorded messages in the Gospels discuss wealth and possessions. However, contrary to what many might think, Jesus didn’t address money because He wanted something from us. Instead, He cared deeply about what money does to our hearts.
Take Matthew 6:19-21 for example:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”
This statement is revolutionary. Jesus isn’t against possessions, but He warns about making them our life’s ultimate pursuit. Our treasure determines the orientation of our hearts. If all our hope and focus are on accumulating wealth, our hearts will be tethered to things that won’t last. But, if we invest in eternal treasures, we find a far more secure and peaceful way to live.
Generosity vs. Greed
It’s easy to think that financial peace comes from hoarding and holding onto every dollar, but Jesus teaches that real fulfillment comes from generosity. The problem is that many of us are caught up in what some might call the fear and greed cycle. Here’s how it works:
Greed: We desire something that’s beyond our means, so we stretch ourselves thin to get it, often going into debt.
Fear: The weight of that debt causes anxiety and sleepless nights, making us more conservative with spending.
Temporary Relief: Eventually, things stabilize, and we repeat the cycle.
This pattern isn’t God’s plan for our finances. He desires for us to sleep well at night, free from financial fear and anxiety.
Seeing with Healthy Eyes
Jesus goes deeper into the discussion of wealth in Matthew 6:22-23:
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness.”
At first, this teaching can seem confusing. But in Jesus’ time, having a “healthy eye” was understood as being generous, while having an “unhealthy eye” implied stinginess. In modern terms, it’s about whether we view the world through an abundance mindset or a scarcity mindset.
Abundance Mindset vs. Scarcity Mindset
Abundance Mindset: Trusts that God is a generous provider who meets our needs. It’s like living with an open hand, ready to give and receive.
Scarcity Mindset: Lives in fear of not having enough. It’s marked by a closed fist, tightly holding onto everything, believing resources are limited.
Those with an abundance mindset live with peace, knowing God provides. In contrast, a scarcity mindset breeds anxiety and a constant feeling of lack. Think about it: Have you ever noticed how closely your heart is tied to your wallet? Money, after all, can become an idol if we let it.
Choosing Your Master: God or Money?
Jesus made it clear that serving both God and money is impossible (Matthew 6:24). Money can become a master that enslaves us, pulling us into the cycle of greed and fear. But God calls us to trust Him as our provider, breaking free from the chains of financial worry.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: If we trust God with our eternal salvation, why can’t we trust Him with our finances? It’s a challenging question that forces us to examine where our faith truly lies.
One of the ways God helps us break free from the power of money is through the discipline of tithing. In the Old Testament, tithing was established as giving the first 10% of one’s income back to God. This practice wasn’t about God needing the money; it was a way for people to demonstrate trust and acknowledge that everything they had came from Him.
What Tithing Does for Us
Reminds Us God Owns Everything: It shifts our perspective from ownership to stewardship.
Breaks the Grip of Greed: It teaches us to prioritize God and others over ourselves.
Declares Trust in God: It’s a tangible act of faith that says, “God, I trust you to meet my needs.”
Invites Us to Build God’s Kingdom: Our financial contributions enable ministries, missions, and church communities to flourish.
Opens the Door to God’s Blessing: Generosity aligns us with God’s heart, positioning us to experience His blessings.
God even challenges us to test Him in this area. In Malachi 3:10, He says:
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse… Test me in this… and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
This doesn’t mean tithing is a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s about positioning ourselves under God’s provision and protection, trusting that He is faithful.
Practical Steps Towards Generosity
So, how do we shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance? It starts with intentionality. Here are some steps to help you get started:
Begin Tithing: Even if you’re in debt or worried about your budget, start by giving 10% of your income to God. Trust Him to take care of the rest.
Create a Generosity Budget: Besides tithing, set aside a portion of your income for spontaneous giving. It could be as small as $25 a month, but it allows you to be ready to bless others.
Be Mindful of Your Spending: Avoid the consumer mindset that says you need the next best thing. Practice contentment and ask God to help you steward your resources wisely.
Find Joy in Giving: Remember that giving isn’t a burden; it’s a privilege. There’s joy in knowing that your resources are making a difference.
Here’s the big question to ponder: Instead of asking, “How can I get more?” start asking, “Why did God entrust me with so much?” This shift in thinking transforms our approach to finances. It reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God, given so that we can be a blessing to others.
Even if you don’t feel wealthy, consider this: Compared to most of the world, if you have a roof over your head, food on your table, and a source of income, you’re already in the top tier of wealth. The call to generosity isn’t reserved for the rich; it’s for everyone.
The Joy of Generosity
Generosity isn’t just a command; it’s an invitation to a more fulfilling life. Proverbs 11:24-25 highlights this beautifully:
“Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
In God’s kingdom, the world of the generous gets larger and larger. There’s a profound joy in knowing that what we give away has eternal significance. Whether it’s meeting someone’s financial need or investing in ministries that share the gospel, generosity multiplies blessings in ways we can’t always see.
So, as you consider your finances, take a moment to reflect: Are you living with healthy eyes? Do you view your resources as a means to bless others, or are you holding on tightly out of fear? The choice is yours.
Further Reading
The Treasure Principle, Revised and Updated: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving – by Randy Alcorn
YouTube: “God and Money” - by The Bible Project
Other Links
Want to hear more? Check out Daybreak Church’s YouTube page for past messages on similar
Looking for more information on Giving? Visit www.liveandlovelikejesus.org/giving
