(This week we are featuring a guest post by Wendy Raffaeli, CPA. Wendy is a leader at Hope Haven Rwanda, and offers an insightful perspective on generosity!)
We’ve all heard the phrase. Perhaps we’ve even been the recipient of this gracious act – whether it was in a Starbucks drive through or from a generous relative who helped us with the down payment on our first car.
And I’m sure a lot of us have also participated in one way or another. I was encouraged and hopeful in recent months when I saw so many people being generous with something they had that could help a friend or neighbor in need – toilet paper, groceries, facemasks, or spending time with those who were isolated and lonely.
Several years ago, the pastor at our church was delivering a sermon on money. I know how he dreads talking about finances to the congregation – I think it’s universal in American churches, unfortunately. Something he said stuck with me. We all know we “can’t take it with us,” right? Yep. What we can do, however, is send it on ahead of us.
Wait, what? Money, in heaven? No, not money. But treasure, yes!
You see, when we, as stewards (or managers) of God’s resources on Earth – including money – funnel them to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, people learn about salvation through Jesus and become fellow believers. In this way, we are investing in the eternal future of their souls – the ultimate treasure God desires for every human being. This “investment” WILL be with us in God’s eternal kingdom – forever!
It’s the only way we CAN take it with us!
Matthew 6:19-21 are well-known verses on storing up treasures in heaven. Interestingly, Jesus said “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (emphasis mine). God desires to reward us with heavenly treasures! How does this happen?
By funneling God’s money to God’s purposes!
I believe that if we pray for the spiritual gift of giving (Romans 12), God will answer that prayer and open our eyes to a multitude of gifts to reach the lost and help the suffering. “The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn is a great book on the topic of eternal treasure.
Friends, there are so many reasons to be generous in this human life. But the best one, for me at least, is to know I am being obedient to God’s calling on my life and being a good steward of His resources. I pray for direction, give accordingly, and trust God to take care of the rest. I am merely a conduit to get it to where it needs to be to fulfill His purposes here on Earth.
And I’m looking forward to spending eternity with people who were impacted because of it here on Earth.
What a blessing to look forward to. How are you participating in the eternal and ultimate “Pay It Forward?”