We have an amazing opportunity to make an impact with our finances. I am always amazed at just how far money is able to go when poured back into non-profits working throughout the world. When I see just how little it takes to provide clean water to a single person for a lifetime, feed someone for an entire year, or provide an education; it blows my mind. There is no shortage of needs that we have the ability to meet locally and abroad!
At times in my life, where I have not been focused on building the Kingdom with my finances, money always seemed tight. It never felt like the right time. However, if you were to go line by line through where I chose to put my money at that time, you would see a $25 per month data plan on my cell phone, cable TV, eating out multiple times a week, lots of random miscellaneous $3-$5 items throughout the month that were purchased in response to a want and not a need, etc.
At a certain point in life my wife and I made the decision that we needed to give first. We needed to trust that God would provide, and if money was short, the things that needed to be cut was not the money that went to helping the poor and building God's Kingdom.
Earlier in today's reading, in Matthew 25:14-26, Jesus gave us a compelling story that illustrates how God views the gifts he has given us. This parable applies directly to how we use our finances and also how we use the time and abilities that God has gifted us with to advance his will here on earth.
His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant!' So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
He wants us giving of our time and finances with a joyful heart.
What an amazing day that will be indeed!
Where might God be calling me to be a better steward of my time, skills, or finances so that I can give God a maximum return on his investment in me?