Have you ever found yourself using the wrong tool for a job, simply because it was convenient? Maybe you’ve hammered a screw or used a rope as a makeshift dog leash. While these improvisations might work in a pinch, they often fall short of the intended purpose. The same principle applies to how we view and use money in our lives.

Money, at its core, is a tool. But are we using it correctly? Are we wielding this tool in a way that honors God and maximizes its potential? Too often, we fall into the trap of justifying our financial habits without truly considering whether we’re using money as it was meant to be used.

In Luke 16, Jesus tells an intriguing parable about a dishonest manager who, when faced with losing his job, quickly reduces the debts owed to his master to curry favor with others. While Jesus doesn’t condone the manager’s dishonesty, He uses this story to make a profound point: “Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.”

This passage reveals a fundamental truth about money: it’s a tool meant to serve others. Our earthly wealth has no value in the kingdom of God. Streets of gold make our treasure seem like concrete by comparison. So why not use our resources to make an eternal impact? By using our money to benefit others, introduce them to Jesus, and extend God’s kingdom, we’re investing in relationships that will last beyond this life.

But money isn’t just a tool for serving others; it’s also a powerful instrument of worship. In Luke 21, we encounter the story of the widow’s mite. While the religious leaders made a show of their large donations, Jesus’ attention was drawn to a poor widow who gave two small copper coins – all she had to live on. This teaches us that God isn’t concerned with the amount we give, but with the heart behind our giving.

Worship through giving isn’t about public recognition or giving from our excess. It’s about prioritizing God and recognizing that all we have is a gift from Him. The Old Testament principle of bringing the firstfruits as an offering still holds valuable lessons for us today. When we give to God first, before addressing our own needs and wants, we make a powerful statement of trust and gratitude.

So how do we apply these principles in our daily lives? Here are some practical steps to consider:

1. Start with the tithe: While the New Testament doesn’t mandate a specific percentage, the Old Testament principle of giving 10% serves as a good starting point. Challenge yourself to begin tithing today if you’re not already doing so.
2. Go beyond the tithe: Once you’ve established a consistent practice of tithing, look for ways to increase your giving. Create a “generosity” line item in your budget to set aside funds for spontaneous acts of kindness.
3. Be intentional: Generosity rarely happens by accident. Plan for it. Discuss it with your spouse or accountability partners. Include your children (in age appropriate ways) in conversations about giving to instill these values early.
4. Make sacrifices: True generosity often requires some level of personal sacrifice. Consider ways you can simplify your lifestyle to free up resources for giving. This might mean fewer streaming services, eating out less often, or opting for a slightly less expensive vacation or car.
5. Trust God’s promises: Malachi 3:10 offers a remarkable invitation from God: “Test me in this… See if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” This is the only place in Scripture where God explicitly tells us to test Him. Take Him up on that offer!

The early Christian church was known for its radical generosity. Historical accounts from the 2nd and 4th centuries describe how Christians cared not only for their own poor but for others as well. Their generosity was so remarkable that it caught the attention of non-believers. Imagine if we could recapture that spirit of giving today. What if our communities became known as places where generosity flourished, where waitstaff looked forward to working Sunday shifts because of the kindness of churchgoers?

It’s easy to make excuses for why we can’t give more. We might question whether the recipients truly need or deserve our help. But these rationalizations often mask our own reluctance to follow God’s clear instructions about generosity. The truth is, we can’t fully experience the blessings of generosity until we take that initial step of faith.

Remember, God didn’t withhold even His own Son from us. As Romans 8:32 reminds us, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” If God was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf, can we not trust Him as we seek to be more generous with our resources?

As you reflect on your own approach to money and generosity, consider this challenge: Try radically increasing your giving for 90 days. See if God doesn’t open the floodgates of heaven and pour out blessings beyond what you can imagine. It’s not about experiencing some magical windfall, but about putting your faith in a God who has never broken a promise.

Perhaps you’ve justified how you’ve used money so far and are good with your level of giving God and others. If you’re not giving beyond the tithe, it might feel like using a rope instead of a proper leash. It works, but there’s something better out there. When we align our use of money with God’s purposes, we open ourselves up to experiencing His provision and blessings in ways we never thought possible.

What’s holding you back from taking this step of faith? Are you willing to trust God with your finances and experience the joy of true generosity? The choice is yours, but the potential impact – both in your life and in the lives of others – is immeasurable.

Sermon Recaps are based on my original messages delivered at Grace Christian Church.
AI assistance is used to summarize and organize my original message.
AI used for Recap only, NOT the original message.