Stewardship 114
Often we wonder why we should give and what is the purpose for our giving. It is often easier to raise money for stained glass windows than it is for the budget or a particular mission project. The following tells us why we should “lay up” treasures in heaven. Giving is not for ourselves but for the kingdom!
1. The Bible teaches us that our giving is never a personal loss. It is a personal gain. When we put money into our retirement plan or write an extra check for our mortgage, we do not feel poorer. We simply are transferring funds to a different asset that will ultimately be beneficial to us in the future. Matthew 6:20 says, “Lay up for yourselves, …” This word for lay up is the root word for treasurer. Matthew 6:20 is saying lay(ing) up treasures in heaven.
2. In the middle of the phase are the words “for yourselves”. Jesus says, “lay up treasures for yourselves in heaven.” These treasures are being laid up in heaven for ourselves. We are not losing them. They will be of great value in the future. These gifts are being credited to our account in heaven.
3. Paul says in I Timothy 6:17-19, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.”
4. The rich farmer was called a fool in Luke 12:20 because he was mistakenly “laying up treasures for himself” here on earth. Matthew 6:19 – He was investing for himself but he was doing it in the wrong place.
5. Acts 20:35 says, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’.” We gain here and in Proverbs 11:25, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Again, we gain. Luke 6:38, Jesus encourages us, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, it will be measured to you.” Again, we gain.
6. Matthew 14:13 tells the story of the young boy who gave Jesus his lunch of five loaves and two fishes. This story is reported in all four Gospels. Thousands of others would have food because this young boy gave up his lunch. The boy wasn’t poorer because of his gift, he was actually richer.
7. Do you feel like you are poorer after you have written a check to the church or to help someone in need? You are not! You are richer! You have just laid up for yourself more treasure in heaven. You are now more blessed and your future more secure than before. On the day you pass from this world to the next, you will be glad you invested so generously. Indeed we will be thankful we “laid up” treasures in heaven.
Author: Tommy Herndon
