By Pastor Kevin

Your attitude toward the stuff that God has given you is central to the spiritual momentum in your life. In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 3, John the Baptist encounters three types of people who were all stuck spiritually and wanted to know what to do. In every case, John talked to them about their stuff and what they ought to do with their money.

John warns the Jewish people that being “children of Abraham” doesn’t mean you automatically inherit the blessing their great-grandfather walked in—you have to “prove it by the way you live!” (Luke 3:8). The crowd goes on to ask, “What do we do!?” To summarize, John explains that they ought to give to the poor, stop over-charging people financially, and be content with your pay. Can you imagine how our city would change financially if everyone did those three simple things?

One of the characteristics that marked the early church was they weren’t too attached to their stuff.  We often talk about the supernatural signs and wonders recorded in the Book of Acts, but we can’t ignore the fact that the same believers were constantly giving. They were so generous that no one among them had any needs. That’s because when they found someone who was in true need, someone would step up to share and provide for their neighbor.

Every time we “put our money where our mouth is” and obey the Lord, it displays the very character and nature of God in our life. Obeying God in tithing displays faith in the area of our finances. Being honest in business and thankful for our pay brings Him glory. Lastly, caring for others’ needs by sharing and being generous illustrates how God treats us.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:22)