Peace. Isn’t that one of the main things we all want in our life, sometimes, desperately so? Peace, peace of mind, less worry and stress. But in Luke 12:51, we’re thrown a curve ball. Jesus says, “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.”
Peace on earth is most often thought to be the absence of conflict, the lack of hostilities, no war. In our personal lives, we often think that having material wealth will bring us peace and reduce our stress. And money may bring a sense of peace in the moment. But that is the world’s peace. We know that peace is fleeting.
Now I know from my work with clients that planning is important. While we certainly should be thoughtful about providing for our needs today and in the future. The most important need for the future – the main thing I talked about last week – is our eternal life in heaven! Jesus gives us the best financial planning advice to obtain eternal life:
Earlier in Luke, verses 33 and 34, He advises to sell your belongings and give alms so that you’ll have inexhaustible treasure in heaven, because where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
He said this in Matthew 19:21, too: “If you wish to be perfect, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
This is Jesus’s way to peace. This is how good stewards manage their financial life. When we step out in faith, trust God to provide, and give to the poor, it causes us to prioritize our spending. Making almsgiving as our first priority is seeking God first with our finances. A mindset of generosity is the pathway to peace, the peace beyond understanding.
So, Put God First. Give alms and gain that sense of peace that you truly seek.
“But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you,”—St. Luke (11:41)
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
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