When Your Finances Fall Short • Luke 12:13-21; 21:1-4
By Sydney Charlton
The holiday season has now passed, but for many, the memories will linger for months to come. Regret due to overspending and remorse over a lack of contentment taint the season’s memories of love and laughter. The thought that happiness is found in having more money is common; in fact, according to empower.com, six out of 10 Americans believe this to be true.
Far too often, we settle for worldly comforts when God desires much more for us. There’s no true security or contentment in things that do not last. God offers us something more secure and comforting, and it’s eternal!
Our genuine trust in God is what matters! Because of the finished work on the cross, we have been given the opportunity to enjoy the greatest gift: salvation through Jesus Christ. No amount of financial prosperity earns this gift, and once you receive it, you know that it’s all that truly matters! The lyrics of “Give Me Jesus” speak of this well:
“More than silver, more than gold
You are the treasure that I hold
Now that I’ve tasted of Your goodness
Nothing else will satisfy
Just give me Jesus
Give me Jesus”
Luke 12:13-15
When I was in elementary school, I was given a solo part in a Vacation Bible School production. I was visiting family out of state, and the church leadership saw it fit to give me, a guest, the leading part in the song about the last of the Ten Commandments. Looking back, the kids who were members of this church were probably furious about the scenario, but I sang about covetousness just the same. I remember the song well.
The VBS was sports-themed, and I was given the role of a cheerleader. Complete with sparkly pom poms, I made my way to the stage to sing the lyrics, “Never covet! Be above it! Coveting will get the best of you!” And waving my pom poms aggressively, I pointed to the crowd and finished with a boisterous, “and you, and you, and you!”
This hysterical memory reminds me that financial prosperity has no bearing on what truly matters. The things that matter most in life aren’t tied to physical abundance. While the parable of the rich fool is sadly the reality of many, as Christ-followers, it ought not to be so.
Christ is the greatest treasure of all! And as we discussed last week, it is because of Him that our needs are met. Coveting bigger and better possessions reveals a lack of gratitude and a discontented heart.
Luke 12:16-21
I have lived long enough to celebrate the home-goings of many loved ones, and I know that none of them would advise me to work hard here on earth to gain more material possessions. Our treasures here will not last. Matthew 6:19-21 tells us, “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
True riches come from God as we store up treasures with Him. Our aim on earth is to make much of Jesus and make Him known to everyone everywhere. We are called to live differently than our culture instructs, because we know this world is not our home (Hebrews 13:14).
Luke 21:1-4
Years ago, my oldest daughter was so proud to share that she put two dollars in the kids’ church offering one Sunday morning. Knowing that I had sent her to church with just one dollar, I asked who had given her the other dollar for the offering. She enthusiastically answered, “Nobody! I ripped my one dollar in half so I could give Jesus two!”
Our heart posture in giving matters just as much as giving itself. The widow trusted God to provide for all her needs, and she gave sacrificially. Though I don’t recommend tearing dollar bills to create more money to give to the Lord, I know that God is able to multiply our resources far beyond what we think is possible when we give with a pure heart.
So, if you feel like you are financially recovering from the holidays, take heart! Trust Him with your finances and ask Him to help you use your resources wisely. He is honored when we trust Him in our giving.
Charlton is the OneHope Missions Assistant at Crossgates Baptist Church, Brandon.
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