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| Source: hmcoaching.co.uk |
We've talked about the interesting connection between our hearts and our money before.
But what if I took it a step further and was so bold to assert that giving is an outward sign of our salvation?
Oh I am glad I don't have to go out on a limb to say that, dear one, because Jesus already has!
Let's take a look at a familiar Bible story to us all--the story of Zacchaeus. Yeah, you know the one about a wee little guy up in a sycamore tree. (Is that Vacation Bible School song starting up in the recesses of your brain, like it is for me?...)
"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.' So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, 'He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.'" Luke 19:1-7
So, here we have Zacchaeus, a despised and sinful tax collector, who wants to meet Jesus, so much so that he climbs up a tree to catch a glimpse of Him when He passes by. Jesus stops and takes notice of him and says that he must stay at his house. This creates some controversy in the crowd because Jesus wants to stay at the home of a sinful tax collector.
But then the story continues, and we see Zacchaeus declare Jesus as his Lord:
"But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, 'Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.' Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'" Luke 19:8-10
And how is Zacchaeus' salvation manifested? In giving back money he stole from people and making restitution by paying them back four times the amount he owed them.
And what is Jesus' response to this?
He declares: "Today salvation has come to this house."
A person with a repentant and obedient heart, that is serving God as Lord over their entire lives, will necessarily be generous with their money.
Deep-down we know this.
We know an Ebeneezer Scrooge could not possibly love God! If he said that he did, we'd know he was a liar. We know that a thief and a cheat could not possibly love God. For why would he not respect God's law and mistreat others?
So why then, as Christians, do we feel like we can say we are true believers when we steal from God and rob Him of His tithe?
Why does the church's giving statistics look this abysmal?
Are we being truly honest with ourselves?
Will you take some time out today to pray over your soul, dear one? Will you pray over your fiances and your heart, and will you be obedient to repent over any sin the Lord reveals to you in this area? If you are faithful to tithe, will you pray about where God would lead you to give more? Would you ask Him to free up more time, talent, and treasure to give to others in need?
Oh, I am right there with you, dear friend! Every single one of us can give more and do more out of sheer worship to our great and loving God!
I pray God would do a work in ALL of our hearts and we seek to honor Him with our lives, mouths, hearts, and checkbooks! He wants our whole heart! May we seek to glorify Him in all we do and in how we give, as His born-again children today!
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