The Problem of Money – Part III
Scripture Reading: Luke 18:18-30
Key Verse: Luke 18:24a
When Jesus saw this, He said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”
The Apostle Peter, who had been listening to what Jesus was sharing about money, jumps into the discussion with this statement: “We’ve left our homes to follow you” (Luke 18:28).
Jesus’s response can be of great encouragement to us who are trying to follow Him in our financial affairs. Jesus gives us a promise that our sacrifices, while here on earth, will be rewarded greatly in the next world that awaits us.
Jesus’s own words were: “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.” (Luke 18:29-30).
As we give to God’s Kingdom purposes, never give with an attitude of wanting to get something back from God. Only God can and does judge our motives for giving. However, keep in mind that our sacrifices are truly only a short-term sacrifice, and that these sacrifices will pay long term benefits.
Jesus promises us that our “giving up” things for Him will be repaid “many times over in this life and will have eternal life in the world to Come.” The question of how much each of us gives up is as individual as there are Christ-followers.
The Apostle Peter once asked Jesus about what kind of sacrifice the Apostle John would have to make. Jesus’s answer may help us see how God requires different sacrifices in each of our lives: Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow Me.” (John 21:22).
In other words, Jesus was saying, don’t look at another Christ follower and think that his sacrifices for God’s Kingdom are the ones you are to give. God may ask you to sacrifice more or He may ask you to sacrifice less than another person. Our Father in Heaven is a good, good Father. He knows us individually and treats each of us uniquely. Our only requirement is to faithfully follow Jesus’s model and teachings!
My testimony in these matters is that I was taught to give 10% of my income to the church and, in addition, give to other Kingdom purposes that come my way in a way that is consistent with my heart.
I realize there are many Christ-followers who don’t feel obligated to the 10% tithe model. I leave that to God’s Spirit that directs all of us as He chooses. The most important thing is that we are listening and obeying the Spirit of God within us.
Father, I will give of my wealth as you direct. In Jesus’s Name I pray, amen.