Like the rich man in Mark 10 we must decide who Jesus is and where He ranks in our life. We also face a decision about our possessions. Are they equally important to us as our relationship to Jesus?

If so, doesn’t that impair and cloud our relationship with God? Are we willing to sell our possessions and rid ourselves of unhealthy attachments that distance us from deepening our trust in God?

Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Trust in God’s provision for you. Find your treasure in Jesus. Detach because it’s not your money.

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Moses instructs the Israelites about their choices–life or death. In Deuteronomy chapter 30, he exhorts them to choose life by following God’s law. It’s like that with your money.

You have choices on how you spend. How often do those choices result in stress and worry about whether there’ll be enough money at the end of the month? Instead, choose to follow God’s law on tithing.

Tithing is giving of your first fruits. It’s choosing life. It just works.

So, choose to give and claim God’s abundant gifts of life. Tithe and rest in the knowledge that It’s Not Your Money.

“Qorban!”

In Mark 7, v 11-12 Jesus pushes back against the Pharisee traditions of Qorban. That law allowed for money that would ultimately be given to the Temple, and so technically to God, to be kept for personal use–in total disregard of those in need. It even provided an excuse for not helping our own families.

Instead, Jesus wants us to reach out and meet the needs of the poor. Who are the poor around you? Those in the soup line, of course, but there may be some closer than you think.

Look around. Reach out. Give to the needs of the poor.
Because, It’s Not Your Money!

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In 1 Thesselonians 3: 12, Paul begs that the Lord would make us abound in love for one another.

I love that – Lord make me increase in love; make me do the right thing.

Do you ever pray to God to make you do what you know in your heart is the right thing to do? Whether that be acting and speaking more lovingly, or stopping sinful thoughts and ways, or even almsgiving. I do.

Lord, make me a good steward. I know everything comes from you and I know I am to give back. I know it’s not my money.

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What does it mean to make friends with dishonest wealth as Jesus tells us to do in Luke 16: 9? It sounds a little like I am to buddy-up with conniving, cheating schemers. And maybe I am if I would have any chance of influencing them to change for the good of His kingdom.

But I think Jesus is instructing us to be trustworthy with the money and resources that we have. The gifts He has given us. It means being a responsible steward.

A good formula for responsible financial stewardship is to tithe 10%, save 10% and live on 80%. Do this and all will work out. It just does.

So, tith and give to good causes, serving God and not mammon.

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