“I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:33-35 NLT
Being rich toward God as Jesus said means treasuring Him more than anything else and shifting from a posture of self-centered accumulation and satisfaction to one of active stewardship of your entire life. It is about investing your time, talents, and resources into eternal kingdom purposes rather than solely focusing on temporary priorities like status, security, and self-satisfaction. It’s not that any of those priorities are inherently sinful or wrong. They are just not wise investments in the light of forever.
Paul knew that. He had the opportunity for wealth and status. He was raised in a successful family, was well-educated, and was a significant Jewish figure in their culture as a young man. But he discovered that his true joy and blessing came from living “rich toward God.” He didn’t brag, but he gave his own testimony to illustrate the process of becoming rich toward God. How can we do the same?
Prioritize seeing and savoring the value of Jesus above all else. He discovered, “Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). Spend regular time reading the Word, talking to Jesus. Make certain your schedule includes frequent times alone with Him and in groups with other followers. Prioritize worship. Make Sunday a special day of taking in two things that will last forever – the Word and people. Ask God to help you be free from the love of money. Money is a wonderful tool but when obtaining it and the things it can buy it easily becomes a god. It’s difficult to see it and identify it in yourself. Pray about it regularly. Trust in God’s promises for every need to be met in your life, your family’s life, and in the church. Pray for faith instead of worry and manipulation. Regularly give generously to God’s Kingdom through the church. The Word points to giving more than anything else other than salvation because what gets our money gets us in the truest sense. The Word teaches that giving should be disciplined (a specific amount regularly) and then also free or spontaneous gifts, such as to specific causes. Plan in your budget and schedule to invest your resources, time, and abilities in generous care for others. Jesus said what we do for others is regarded as doing it for Him.
- God, help me live with a true awareness that NOTHING is mine. I am not the owner. I am a steward, a manager of these wonderful gifts. Help me invest well with eternal wisdom and perspective.