A couple weeks ago I had the privilege of teaching a Young Marrieds class at my church about finances and faith.

The first week we walked through Luke 12:13-34 and discussed what it means to live missionally with our money, some pitfalls to living missionally with our money and then how to actually live missionally with our money.

This weekend I’ll post one of the pitfalls we discussed from that passage, which was worry.

Here’s Luke 12:22-31:

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.

24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 

26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,  yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you,  O you of little faith!

29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead,  seek his  kingdom, and these things will be added to you

Worrying about food and clothing was more common in that day than it is for us in middle-class America.  I’ve never once got up in the morning and stressed out because I wasn’t sure there was food in my fridge!  Or freaked out because I didn’t think I’d have any clothes in my closet.

 In that day, in an agricultural society if there was a poor crop you were out of luck – this was your livelihood. 

When we’re hungry, we just go to the fridge, grab some food and we’re good to go – or we go to a restaurant and pay someone to make our food and bring it to us.

Don’t miss another post! Get Redeeming Riches delivered straight to your inbox!

We have to understand that this was more common back in that day than it is for us. So what would this mean for us today? 

In today’s society – and especially coming through what many are calling the Great Recession, maybe we could say: “don’t be anxious about your job security, or meeting your monthly expenses because work is slow.”

• Don’t worry about how you’ll provide for your family.
• Don’t be anxious for that big promotion that you think will be the answer to your problems.
• Don’t worry about where your next paycheck is going to come from.
• Don’t worry about your comfort or security.

Why?  Verse 30 says it’s because the Father knows you need them – He knows you need a job and you need to provide for your family and if God provides for the filthy winged-rats (ravens) and He clothes the grass, how much more will He take care of you!?

Usually, the things we worry about reveal how badly we want those things OR it reveals how we think life will end if certain things don’t happen.

Ultimatley, worry reveals what we worship!  Look at verse 30 again:

“…All the nations of the world seek after these things!” 

Everyone is working for more money, more clothes, more status, more house, more,more, more.

But as Jesus repeatedly does throughout Scripture – He calls us to a different and radical standard.  He calls us to live differently than the world by setting our affections higher.

William Hendricksen puts it this way,

“What Jesus is saying is that believers must differ in their inner yearnings, must set their hearts on different things, must be controlled by different ideals, and must be motivated by a  different love.”

See, as Christians,  we are different in our yearnings and affections – we are different because of our worship. 

We don’t worry about our possessions or our job, or our next paycheck, or depleting our savings accounts, or our cars, or our homes,  or whatever it is that we worry about because as Christians we don’t worship that stuff!

We worship the great, triune God, the Sovereign Creator of ALL, the Great Provider, the Sustainer, the Lover of our soul,  the Giver of good things – We worship HIM!!

And we seek the kingdom of God – “and these things will be added to you”.

The irony is that when we worry about and strive for earthly treasure – we’re left empty.  But when we seek the kingdom of God – He makes sure you’re provided for. 

Trust in Him!

photo courtesy of Roberto Bouza

Lately I’ve been reflecting on giving and our heart motivation behind it. 

I’ve had the great opportunity to teach a money class the last couple weeks to a Young Marrieds group at church and It’s been a great experienc for me, because I’ve had to spend some time digging in to Scripture to get me prepared to talk about money and theology.

In general, most people know we should give, but what is our motivation behind our giving – in other words, why give?

Here’s a look at a few reasons to the question of:

Why Do People Give Their Money?

We’ll talke a look at a few not-so-good reasons and then a couple really good reasons.

To Earn God’s Favor

One group might settle in on this side of the room.  These folks think that by giving money to the church or giving money to a homeless person that somehow God will smile on them and be pleased. 

On the flip side, they may also think that if they don’t give, then God will be mad at them!  So, to appease a cranky and crotchety old god they need to just give!

To Get a Blessing

They give because they want to get an abundance.  This seems to be prevalent.  I recently received a direct message on Twitter from someone talking about God’s abundance being poured out on me!

I think there is some confusion in this camp and hopefully I can clear it up:

We don’t give to GET a blessing – we give to BE a blessing!

To Get Rid of Guilt

Others give because they want to rid themselves of guilt.  Maybe they feel guilty for being “blessed” while others suffer in need; or they feel guilty because they think that in order to be a “good person” they need to give.  The thought of not being a “good person” kills them.

Don’t miss another post!  Get Redeeming Riches delivered straight to your inbox!

To Garner the Praise of Men

Some of us like to give because we want others to know and think that we are very generous!  Remember the pharisees in the New Testament that would throw their coins in to the offering to make a loud clang so everyone could hear?  That’s some of us.  We give to get noticed or to “be somebody”.

To Get a Good Feeling

There is a good feeling we all get when we give.  We feel like we were part of something bigger or that we made a difference in someone’s life when we give. 

Those are great feelings!  I love feeling that way after I give, but is it our sole motivation in giving?  Is it just to make us feel good?

To Get a Tax Deduction

As a finance guy, I love tax deductions!  Who doesn’t – am I right?  But, there are plenty of folks out there who only give because they can write it off on their taxes. 

Are you one of the one scrambling on December 31st to find a charity and donate money so you can write that off?

To Glean Meaning or Purpose from Life

Oh, meaning and purpose – everyone’s quest in life.  Some say there is none – other’s know exactly why we are here.  Those trying to find meaning and purpose, trying to be a part of something beyond themselves may give just to feel like they are accomplishing a mission.

Again, nothing wrong with finding meaning – but are we grasping at finding purpose through our giving or do we find our purpose in Christ himself?

What Should Our Motivation Be?

Notice that each of those motivations above are self-focused – We get something in return.  It really becomes all about us! 

So why should we give?

Because We Want to Help

I think many of us have a really sincere desire to help people.  That’s great!  We should desire to come alongside others, meet needs and to defend social justice because we value others and truly want to help them!

For some reason, it seems like in America we’ve lost a sense of “being a neighbor” to others.  On the block I grew up on there was always someone watching out for us, conversations between neighbors going on and a willingness to go and help each other.

I think we need (myself included) to get back to being a good neighbor.

Because Jesus Demonstrated It Best

Take a look at 2 Corinthians 8:9:

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

Jesus had everything in heaven – He was rich.  Yet He gave all that up to come to a lowly stable, to be the son of a poor Jewish couple – why?  So that we who embrace Him as Savior might become rich (all the glorious riches and benefits of spending eternity with God in heaven!)

He did it for you!  He gave up everything, to the point of a scandalous and shamed death on a Roman cross so we might have life!

even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.  Matthew 20:28

Let’s reorient ourselves back to the great Gospel and realize that because Christ gave up everything for us we are freed to go and serve others for His sake!

I usually spend weekend posts looking at key money passages in the Bible.  I’ve found that I spend a lot of time in the New Testament.

This weekend we jump to the Old Testament for our money passage.

Ecclesiastes is a famous book that takes a look at life with pessimism, optimism, paradoxes and hammers home the point that we need God in an often confusing and frustrating world.

“This also is vanity” is a popular line from this book.  The author gives us a much needed re-evaluation on many of life’s greatest pursuits -

Including money!

Ecclesiastes 5:10-12:

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? 12 Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.

The More You Love Money, The Less It Satisfies

Here’s the interesting thing about our wealth – the more we love it, pursue it, live for it and give up everything for it – the less it satisfies.

In my opinion the opposite is also true. 

The less we love it, the less we pursue it, the less we live for it and the less we give up everything for it the more content we become with what we have and where we are at.

Don’t you hate paradoxes?  Why can’t things be the way we think they should be. 

Maybe it’s God’s way of keeping us humble and keeping our focus on Him.

Money CAN Satisfy

Don’t get me wrong – money can make us happy.  I mean, who doesn’t love making money or spending it.

The point is that when we think money will bring ultimate satisfaction, we buy into a lie.  It’s vanity!

I really believe we start getting more satisfaction from our money when we view it as a tool to be used for others.

So, let’s be content with what we have and content with giving our money away. 

Believe me, I need to hear that myself as much as anyone.

ESV Study Notes for Reflection

The Preacher observes the destructive nature of greed and concludes that contentment is a key characteristic of the godly life in this world.

Maybe you’ve asked this question before:

“Should I give money even though I am in debt”

- or maybe phrased this way -

“Should I give money even though I don’t have much to give?”

Usually this question can be turned into an objection for giving – such as, “I just don’t have any money to give right now, I’ll start giving once I have a little more.”

This weekend we take a look at whether this is Biblical to wait to give money or not.  Our text will be from 2 Corinthians 8 – a famous passage on giving and a challenging one as well.

2 Corinthians 8:1-4:

We want you to know, brothers,  about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—

I highlighted a couple of key points in this text.  Here’s what we notice:

1. They didn’t let troubles dissuade them from giving (v.2)
2. They gave joyfully (v.2)
3. They were extremely poor (v.2)
4. They gave according to their means and beyond (v.3)

Here’s the ESV Study Bible notes for reflection:

God’s grace was manifested in that the Macedonians gave even though they were poor. What surprised Paul was that the Macedonians also gave themselves first to the Lord (a recommitment of their lives) and then . . . to us; they offered not only money but also any other personal help they could give to Paul.

But I don’t have money to give 

As evidenced by the believers in Macedonia, they gave even though they were extremely poor!  Not just a little poor, not just a little tight each month, but they were in extreme poverty – and yet – they gave abundantly with great joy!

It’s hard to read that and then continue our excuses of why we don’t give enough.

I already give enough

For those who are thinking, “I already give plenty”, this passage is an indicting one as well.

Notice the phrase wealth of generosity in the passage above?  That doesn’t mean they gave enough to satisfy some legal requirement or enough to satiate their own consciences.

They gave abundantly, much more than they probably could have or should have – but they didn’t care about the money!

Why should we give even when we don’t have it

So this weekend, as we sit back and relax and look at all the gifts we gave and received for Christmas take some time to reflect on why we should be generous with our wealth to those in need. 

Here’s three reasons why we should be generous even when we don’t have it:

1. We have more than we think

Be honest, we have way more than we think we have.  Even when we think we have nothing, we have plenty to give.   Our problem is we compare ourselves upward to the next standard of living up rather than down to the next standard of living. 

2. We need to rearrange our priorities to place more emphasis on giving rather than getting

Often times why we don’t give is simply a matter of misplaced priorities.  We view getting ahead, saving and accumulating stuff as more important than giving to those in need.

3. Your greatest return on investment will be giving to the Lord

 If I told you that if you gave me $100 I’d give you back $10,000 would you make that investment? 

Of course you would and yet we have an offer infinitely better than that.  God promises to reward us eternally for the way we give and use our money.

How about you? Do you think we should give money if we don’t have it?

What would you do for some extra cash? 

In this rough economy, many people would be glad to make a few extra bucks right now.

But how far would you be willing to go for $7,500? 

Would you steal for it?

Would you lie for it?

How about kill someone for it?

The most costly transaction ever made was for $7,500. 

Let’s take a look:

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?”

And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.  Matthew 26:14-16.

ESV Study Bible Notes:

thirty pieces of silver. In the OT, this was the penalty paid by the owner of an ox that gored a slave to death (Ex. 21:32).

Equivalent to about four months’ wages for a laborer (about $7,500 in modern terms), this meager sum suggests the low esteem in which Jesus was held by both Judas and the chief priests.

Not Uncommon

In the past, I used to think, “how could Judas do something like that“, but as I’ve grown in my own spiritual journey with Jesus I’ve come to only scratch the surface of my own sin – and the fact that I so often chase the treasures and pleasures of this world rather than live for him!

Judas did what many of us do every single day of our lives.  We deny and betray Jesus Christ for earthly treasure.

He thought it would bring him happiness

Why would he do that? Because he thought ultimate joy would be found in getting just a little more cash.  Here’s what it really brought him though:

3 Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus  was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”

They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” 5 And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.    Matthew 27:3-5

The Most Costly $7,500

Even though the betrayal only yielded Judas a measely $7,500 it cost Jesus his life and it cost God the sacrifice of His Son to pay the penalty for our constant betrayals.

This Christmas season, don’t just think about presents and little baby Jesus in the manger - think about the one who came, lived a perfect life, was betrayed, beaten and killed on that cross to take the just penalty we deserved.

It was a costly transaction – but God had bigger plans!

Have you ever played the “Would You Rather…” game?  It pits two opposing choices against each other and people go around and decide which one they’d rather have and why.

It’s a good ice-breaker and a fun game to hear people’s insights.

That’s exactly what I’d like to do this weekend – play the “Would You Rather” game and hear your points of view.

At first glance this looks like an easy question – I mean who really wants to be extremely poor!? 

In order to play the game effectively you have to think about the implications of both:

If you’d rather be filthy rich, do you think that would lead to pride, arrogance, self-sufficiency and perhaps even an indifference toward God?

Or would it lead to doing more good and giving to the poor.

If you chose extreme poverty do you think that would lead you down the road of anxiousness, hating God for your situation or even stealing to meet your needs?

What Scripture Says

Here’s a couple of interesting verses to consider as we wrestle with this question: 

Proverbs 30:8-9:

…give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me,  lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.

Luke 11:2-4:

And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name.  Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins,  for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.  And lead us not into temptation.”

So, it seems like Scripture would have us go with a balanced view here.  Neither poverty nor riches, just enough to get by each day.

What I Would Choose

I’d try to go with the balanced view of Scripture found in Proverbs, but if I had to pick one – the pious side of me could justify both. 

On the one hand, if I was rich think of all the good I could do and poverty I could help eliminate.

On the flip side, think of how big my faith would be because I’d have to trust in God for every meal and after all - God has a heart for the poor and marginalized.

But would I really do that much good or would I really have a deep faith in God’s provision and sovereignty?

What About You – Which Would You Choose?

Now it’s your turn!  I purposely didn’t give a full answer of what I’d choose because I’d like to hear your insights into this question.

So, which is it – Would You Rather Be Filthy Rich or Extremely Poor – and why?

If you were really honest with yourself right now, wouldn’t you admit that oftentimes it’s hard to share!? 

C’mon, it’s not easy to give things to others without strings attached or to let people borrow items without being worried about getting it back in one piece or getting it back period.

You know why I know it’s hard for you to share?  Because I look at my two and a half year old daughter and see how she has such a hard time letting her little brother play with anything she has (or even touch things she’s not even playing with at the time).

It’s All Mine!

In our hearts, we all still have that two year old mentality that everything is all “MINE!”

We’re all born selfish to the core and it doesn’t go away the older we get.  We just get better at masking our selfishness!

I write these words for myself as much as anyone, because I know I am desperately selfish – but I don’t want to be. 

I want to live with open hands and loose grips on everything – I want to lay down my life for others and not care, but it’s hard.  How about you?

With the holiday season in mind, this weekend I want to share a verse from 1 Timothy 6 that talks about our readiness to share with others.  I hope it’s as challening to you as it is to me.

1 Timothy 6:17-19:

17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Notice what the Apostle Paul says to Timothy about the rich – they are to do good, be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share!

But I’m not rich!

Now, whether you feel rich or not is besides the point.  If you live in America – you are rich!  Compare yourself to the rest of the world and not your neighbor and you’ll begin to understand how much you really have.

The point here is to be ready to share and be generous.  We are not naturally inclined to share with others so it takes work to get ourselves ready.

How to ready yourself to share

• Remember that God shared His Son with us and Jesus shared His life for us!
• Repent of your selfishness
• Ask God to help you overcome your selfishness
• Make giving a priority in your financial plans
• Keep giving top of mind so you’re always thinking about it
• Pray for and seek opportunities to give in the community
• Become more attuned to others needs by listening more
• Pay down your debts so you free up money to give
• Cut out some of the busyness of your life so you can give of your time
• Work hard so you can be ready to share with those in need (Eph.4:28)
• Be content with what you have!
• Remember that sharing pleases God (Heb. 13:16)
• Stop killing your generosity!

What about you?  What are some ways you’ve readied yourself to share or what other things would you add to this list?

These two terms belong together don’t they - Wealth and Happiness?  Do you remember a time in your life where you weren’t making much money?  You probably weren’t very happy.

Maybe it was during college, or when you first started a business – perhaps it’s now and you’ve lost your job recently.  One thing that often goes through our minds if we were honest with ourselves is this:

If only I had a bit more money, then I wouldn’t be so strapped and could actually enjoy life!

What’s ironic is that not only do many poor people feel this way, but what I’ve often noticed is that many wealthy people feel this way too!

John D. Rockefeller famously answered, “Just a little bit more” when asked the question how much money is enough.

I went to a business planning session yesterday with a group of advisors and one gentlemen mentioned how America is the richest nation in the world - yet the most depressed! 

How could this be?  The answer is clearly that wealth does not equal happiness!

After you arrive at a certain standard of living that affords you the basics - house, food, clothing etc. – any correlation between happiness and money is short lived! 

Think about it, all those things you thought would make you happy didn’t really bring you happiness.  Be honest.  How long after you achieved that goal or that wealth did you say to yourself:

Is that it?  What can I accomplish now?

1 Timothy 6:17-19 offers a little perspective about the rich and their attitude towards money:

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and  ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

What’s interesting about this passage is that the Apostle Paul tells us that in order to enjoy our wealth and our lives our hope should be set on God.

He also tells us that the rich should be generous, ready to share, doing good and their wealth shouldn’t define them, but rather their good works (rich in good works).

Now, some of you might say, but I’m not rich.  I dare you to go to the Global Rich List - type in your annual income and compare yourself to the rest of the world!  Then let me know what percentile you are in! 

You are wealthier than you think – and that wealth won’t bring you ultimate happiness.  You want true happiness?  Put your hope in God, through Jesus Christ and be generous!

I came across Luke 12:32-34 this week, which talks about true treasure and uses the word moneybags, which I think is cool.

In our day, moneybags has come to describe someone who is extravagantly wealthy (think: Rich Uncle Moneybags from Monopoly), but back in the day it was simply a bag for carrying your money.

Take a look at what Jesus has to say about our moneybags.

32 “Fear not, little  flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

33 Sell your possessions, and  give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with  a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.

34  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

ESV Study Bible notes for reflection:

Luke 12:33–34 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy is a strong emphasis in Luke.

Moneybags that do not grow old is a metaphor for the place where one stores one’s treasures. Because the believer’s treasures are stored in heaven, the believer’s “moneybag” (the heavenly storehouse of his treasure) will never wear out, will not fail, and is safe from being stolen by thieves and destroyed by moths (cf. Matt. 6:19–21).

In contrast to the world’s preoccupation with possessions, the disciples are to be characterized by exceedingly great generosity, especially in giving to those in need (lit., “to give alms”).

This even has eternal implications—for, as Jesus solemnly warns, where your treasure is (whether on earth or in heaven,) there will your heart be also.

This concluding proverb (Luke 12:34) emphasizes the importance of the disposition of one’s heart, which throughout Scripture represents the center of one’s being and one’s deepest desires, including one’s reason, convictions, emotions, and will.

The nature of one’s heart is reflected in the things that one values most.

What we value and treasure most in our hearts is seen in what we do with our money.   What a great reminder that the things of this world will fade and pass away, but what we do for the kingdom will last!!

This is a special weekend for our family.  This Sunday marks the two year anniversary of our daughter’s official adoption day. 

We were at the hospital when she was born and she was a part of our family from her very first breath, but it took two months for the courts to set a date and officially “put it in the books” so to speak. 

They recognized our daughter as having full rights in our family. 

It is a big deal for us, because we can’t imagine life without her.  She has been such a tremendous source of blessing and joy and it’s cause for a celebration of the miracle of adoption.

This day will always be a special day for our family.

Adoption also has great spiritual meaning to us as well.  For God, in his kindness, mercy and grace, through his Son Jesus, saw fit to adopt us as a son and daughter and give us full rights to the family of God.

Galatians 4:4-7 gives us further insight into adoption:

4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer aslave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

ESV Study Bible notes for reflection:

If you are a Christian, you are adopted by God into His family – this is reason for great celebration and rejoicing!

If you are not a Christian, or are unsure if you are – take a moment to reflect on the fact that God sent Jesus to come to earth, live a perfect life, die upon the cross, bearing the weight of your sins – to redeem you from them and He longs to give you new life – a life of freedom from sin and he longs to adopt you into His family so you may have full rights and everlasting joy. 

There isn’t one of us that deserves this, for we are such great sinners – but Christ is a GREATER Savior!  Won’t you turn to Him today!?

Adoption is a miracle – both in the fact that we have received a great gift in our daughter, but also the fact that God would rescue sinners like us and allow us to be a part of His family!

If you have questions about adoption or about how to know Jesus I would love to talk with you.  You can email me at RedeemingRiches [at] gmail.com (Sorry trying to avoid spammers! )