Five Invitations - Day 15

Day 15 - A Life of Giving
James 1:17 

How can money help our relationship with God?

Money moves us toward God when we trust God enough to give.

So, how do you prioritize giving to connect with God?

That’s a loaded question and it’s loaded by design. It’s not an easy “yes” or “no.” First, you have to look at how you’re using your money now. You have to examine your attitudes, goals, and habits. Second, you have to think about how you’ll use money over time. What do you dream of doing with money? Third, you have to understand your approach to giving. Do you give when you feel like it, when there’s “money left over,” or do you prioritize and plan giving? Finally, you’ve got to understand the spiritual consequences of how we use material things. You must be convinced that you can use money in a way that moves you closer to God.

Jesus makes clear the spiritual importance of giving. Jesus’s whole life is all about giving. He said, “The Son of Man came…to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk 10:35, NIV). Jesus didn’t have a death wish. He was willing to give his life for us because he trusted God the Father to raise him to life again. After all, “every good and perfect gift comes from God the Father” (Jm 1:17, NIV).

Why did Jesus give? In Galatians 2:20 Pauls says, “I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (NIV). Jesus gave himself to God because he loves you. Jesus’s unique act of giving moves us all closer to the Father.

Giving even earned Jesus an inheritance. He earned the world. He earned you! Jesus was blessed because he gave. That’s what happened to Jesus - and it can happen to us, too.

REFLECT:
What is one tangible step you need to take to prioritize giving in the next few months?

PRAY:
Every good and perfect gift comes from you, Father. Thank you for the gift of Jesus. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Help me to use all your gifts to bless others. Amen.