Intimacy of Heart - day 44

Intimacy of Heart

Matthew 5:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Months ago, I posted a humorous video of people “giving” as the offering plate was passed. Maybe you’ve seen it. As the plate moves through the pews, you can’t see the people’s faces; you can only see them from the shoulders down to their hands. But, as it moves from one to the next, you hear different voice-overs as though they were the thoughts of each person as they held the plate.

One says, “I gave at the office” and puts nothing in the plate. The next says, “I really hope this is enough. I don’t want God mad at me.” Another says, “I wish I could give more. This is all I have.” It is funny and revealing. I wonder if it is how God sees our hearts?

To put the answer in context, Jesus discourages storing up treasures on earth‒instead store up treasures in heaven, for treasures in heaven are eternal.

When we begin to negotiate with God to justify our gifts and service, we miss the point entirely. Money is a non-issue with God. He created the universe; He doesn’t need our money. He lives outside of time; He doesn’t need work. There is nothing among our possessions that God needs (they are His, anyway, just on loan to us).

It’s our perceived need of those possessions that gets in the way of our being generous. What the Lord wants us to see in our own lives is the wickedness of our heart and the idolatry of our mind. He desires for us to have an eternal perspective. He knows our possessions (especially) cloud our view of that which is meaningful and eternal.

Today’s Generosity Challenge:
Pray about what is the most valuable possession you have and if you’re married, pray with your spouse. Ask the Lord to show you how that possession may be better used for His eternal purpose. For some of us, the first thought would be our home. For others, the most valuable possession might be their time‒or their savings. Do you have the courage yet to present this possession unto the Lord and let Him make the decision as to what to do with it?

Now, write down what God shows you here!

About Michael Stickler

Mike is an author, radio host, and a highly sought after motivational speaker. His best-selling book, A Journey to Generosity, is widely acclaimed throughout the Christian community. He is the publisher of Generous Living Magazine and writes for the Christian Post, 'A Generous Life' column.