What is valuable to you?
Money? Entertainment? Relationships? __________?
Whatever you have that is good, is a gift from God.
THE 4-T COMMITMENT
We’ve looked at the example and teachings of Jesus when it comes to how we use our Time and our Talents. Today, we need to think about how we use our Treasures. Treasures are anything that we have that is tangible and even some things that aren’t. Mostly, we are talking about money and material possessions.
Right now, you probably have a lot more material possessions than you do money. That’s mainly because your parents get you what you need (like a pair of shoes) and plenty of what you want (like an upgrade to those ‘Jordans’). As you get older, it will be your money that you use to get what you need and want. A wise person will be careful about material possessions and how they spend or invest their money. As you grow older, you may realize that the extra $100 for the upgraded shoes or the newest gaming system isn’t really worth it because by the same time next year (or sooner) that upgrade will be out of date.
Everything good in your life (whether something you need or something you want) is a gift from God! That’s why it is important that we use what we have wisely.
God never gives you something and makes you give it back but He does ask us to trust Him by returning a small portion to Him and being careful to use what we keep and enjoy in a way that honors Him. Jesus taught about how important it is to give from the things God has given us.
Sometimes giving hurts; but it also produces more faith as we see God keep His promises to bless those who trust Him in this area.
Read James 1:17 Matthew 6:19-24 Luke 6:38
H/W Challenge
Trusting God, like Jesus did, with everything He owned is important if you want your faith to change your life. If you want to live a life that is focused on you and your own good pleasure, then go ahead, keep it all and take credit. But if you want Jesus to change your life and honor you in amazing ways…you’re going to have to learn to let go of some of the things in this world to recieve the better things of God!
What are you holding on to as if God didn’t give it to you in the first place?
Prayer
Father, you’ve given me anything and everything that I consider good in my life. The intangible things mean the most but I really appreciate the tangible stuff too. Help me, by the example of Jesus and the strength of His Spirit in me, to not be selfish but to share your gifts with others and most of all, help me to trust you and honor you with everything I have. In Jesus name, Amen.
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