Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Mother Teresa
More Than Others
We who live in the West are richer than about 94% of the world, so we are often living beyond our means, which gets us in trouble. Why, we are creatures who would rather gather than give; and this is not really a mystery because as humans, we naturally covet what others have and are never really fully satisfied with what we have. We should do as the Apostle Paul did and learn contentment, as he wrote, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11).
Giving to Others
Most of us have an abundance of things in our lives. If we have food, clothing, shelter, a job, and a car, we are doing better than most of the world. So why not give of what we have since it all belongs to God anyway? Nothing is really ours. Everything we have has been a gift from God (1 Corinthians 4:7). The truth is, it’s in our best interest to give, as Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). Don’t you want that?!
The Treasure Place
What do you treasure in life? Is it God, Jesus, the church, and your family? Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Sadly, only 1% of Christians who listen to their favorite pastor’s teachings support their ministry; so 99% of people who love Bible teaching are supported by the 1% who financially support them. Jesus knows where their hearts are because they treasure the kingdom. Where is your heart? Where is mine?
Need Versus Greed
This one really strikes close to home for me. Do I trust God to provide what He has promised, even when my eyes tell me differently? We can live a lot simpler lives if we put our priorities where they need to be (Matthew 6:33) because, as the Apostle Paul wrote, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). God is able, and I believe we can trust that!
Conclusion
As Mother Teresa said, “Live simply so others may simply live.” We should realize that most of us reading this have been greatly blessed, so we should give to those who have little or nothing. We tell God where our hearts are when we open our checkbooks or credit card statements to see where all our money is going. And we must trust God in order to live more simply because He promises to supply our every need but not always what we want.
