Some years ago, in a small group setting, a man was asked "Do you have enough?"
It is revealing that he didn't have to reply, "enough what?". One of the ironic
things about money is that the more a man has, the more preoccupied he is with having
"enough".
Around that same time there was a television special featuring an "up close and
personal" look at perhaps America's most famous singer-entertainer of the 20th century.
Viewers were permitted to see his beautiful, richly-appointed home, lush landscaping,
gardens and other evidence of the man's wealth and fame. This American entertainment
icon had a large room set aside upstairs in his home for his various hobbies and
collections. But what I remember most was a sign affixed to the wall which
said "The one who dies with the most toys wins!" This man has since died and
had many toys. What he won is not clear. What is clear is that his toys
are still here, illustrating Paul's statement that:
"...we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." (1Tim6:7)
Though the bible truths concerning money are equally applicable to all, this month
I specifically want to address those who have more than "enough". You know
who you are. When it comes to this world's goods your decision is not about
"how?" but rather "how many?" It is a natural human tendency to want to have "enough"
to provide for our needs and see us through the inevitable "rainy day". But for
many people having "enough" becomes an end in itself and eventually even the point
of life itself. Scripture warns us against setting our hearts on the accumulation
of wealth for its own sake. Jesus spoke of this in Luke 12. In this parable
a man's fields yielded so abundantly that he simply couldn't store it all. He
had more than "enough"! Rather than being thankful to the One who had blessed him
he decided instead to hoard his wealth. God's judgment was unambiguous and the lesson
clear:
"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from
you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' "This is how it will
be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." (Lk
12:20-21)
The message here is not that God kills every selfish person but rather a warning
to those whom He has chosen to bless with wealth. You may have worked wisely and
diligently but it is He who has given you the ability to do so and who has rewarded
your efforts. You may have married or inherited wealth. Such blessing
should be viewed as a sacred trust given to you by God which is to be used to bring
glory to Him. Money is a fearful master but a great servant. And it is time to take
your money and put it to work for the kingdom.
The scriptures are full of wealthy people who did great things for God. David gave
the materials to build the temple. The Centurion in Luke 7 built a synagogue. Zaccheus
gave half his money to the poor. Jesus commended the steward who gave away what
he couldn't keep (money) in order to be welcomed into "eternal dwellings" (Lk 16)
Wealthy women contributed to the needs of Jesus' ministry. Now it is time
for you to become a part of that list! Some of you have the ability to write a significant
check to the building fund today. Others may have real estate or other valuable
goods which are simply a part of your net worth that could be sold. If you have
an estate from which you would like to share the proceeds with the church please
contact Dave or me and we will have someone come and show you how to do that. Will
you pray and consider deeply what God would have you do? Then please give with liberality
and with a joyful heart.
Please address questions or comments to:
TimeToBuild@CalvaryBibleChurch.org