Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart will be also.  
LUKE 12:33–34 ESV 

We live in a day and age where we’re bombarded with advertisements to want “more”—the bigger house, the supersized meal, that have-to-have-it infomercial item. . . The world is pushing things on us even when we’re not aware of it. But “more” isn’t always better. We can start to envy those who have “more” than we do. And it’s so easy to believe that our value is measured by how many things we have. Yet when we start putting our heart and worth in the amount we have or don’t have, it’s even easier to lose sight of the treasures above. If we allow ourselves to believe the world’s lie, we will never have the peace or contentment that comes with understanding how valuable we are in God’s eyes. 

What would happen if we stopped storing our value in what’s on earth and traded it for our treasures in heaven? What would it look like if, instead of wanting more and more things, we wanted to give more and more away to those in need? Ask yourself, are you giving in the hopes of getting something in return? Or are you giving with a grateful heart, knowing you’re helping someone who truly needs what you have to give? Whether it is as small as a loaf of bread or as large as a new bedroom suite, there is always someone who not only has needs but would be genuinely thankful for your servitude. 

Maybe it’s time to check your heart. Matthew 6:1–4 says, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (ESV). 

Is it time for a reality check? What are you wanting more of? Instead of filling your home with bins of old clothes, unused playpens, and never-to-be-used-again keepsakes, I challenge you to go through what you have and give things away that no longer serve you, with wanting nothing in return. When you give to others in need, you’ll be a blessing to them. Remember, God loves a cheerful giver. So sing and rejoice as you pack up and deliver your donations. Think about how your unused items will bless their next owners and smile. 

- Melissa Horvath 

 

Looking for more inspiration? Find resources for hope and encouragement, including products to help you grow in your faith and uplifting words in our article library on DaySpring.com