Sometimes I wish certain verses weren’t in the Bible. Seriously. Especially when it comes to money, possessions, and giving.
Did you know there are more verses in the Bible about money and possessions than prayer and faith combined? Jesus said more about money than heaven and hell.
When John the Baptist said every tree that doesn’t bear fruit will be cut down, and the people asked him what they should do to bear fruit, his response was all about money: if you have two coats, give one away. Share your food as well. Tax collectors shouldn’t extort.
Why so much about money? Richard Halverson, former chaplain to the U.S. Senate may have said it best:
Jesus Christ said more about money than any other single thing because money is of first importance when it comes to a man’s real nature. Money is an exact index to a man’s true character.
Why do I bring this up? Because during the holidays, money becomes even a bigger deal. I love money, and I suspect you do, too.
These verses are just a few that smacked me in the face this morning:
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.
Can we make a pact together? Let’s fight like crazy to give. Let’s fight to really give. Let our giving make us a little uncomfortable.
If you’re looking for a good book on perspective of money and posessions, check out Money, Possessions and Eternity by Randy Alcorn.
Also, this guide to money and possession scriptures from Crown Financial Ministries is a great, free resource. [Hat tip to Kevin @ No Debt Plan for pointing me to this.]
