Heart and Treasure

Over the past two days, we’ve reflected on Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6, “You cannot serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and Money.” He also said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

This statement raises the question: Where are we investing our treasures? Because in some way, our hearts will certainly follow.

The ancient wisdom of the Bible tells us that the antidote to greed and self-centeredness is generosity. And the scriptures talk about giving away an amount that is in direct proportion to what we have coming in. Sometimes we talk about the biblical tithe. Tithe is a Hebrew word that means 10%.

For most people that’s not a starting point, and for other people it’s not an ending point. But if we are giving in proportion to what we have, then if it’s a big gift—great! If it’s a medium gift—great! If it’s a small gift—great!

I imagine that some of you are struggling financially, and there may be times when you feel you have nothing to give. But there are indeed a myriad of other ways to be generous—with our time, with our talents, with our kindness.

What I have found is that if I plan for it, it takes all the stress out of it and allows giving to be a source of joy… It’s actually fun. I love to be able to say: I can give to that! I’m excited about that ministry! I can help there!

However we go about it, the idea is that we’re intentionally thinking it through.

Howard Hughes, who was one of the wealthiest men in the world in his day—near the end of his life, he was a total, lonely recluse. He was asked, “How much money does it take to make a person happy?” His response: “Just a little bit more.” Just a little bit more.

We know better, don’t we?

Let us pray: We are grateful, O God, that you provide for us far more than we could ever ask or even imagine. Even if we can’t give financially, help us to offer something of ourselves this day. Meet us at our point of need. Heal us. Renew us. And help us to bless others as we have been blessed. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.