TO GIVE NOW OR GIVE LATER. Some people give what they have while they are alive, while others choose to wait and give what they have remaining at death. Whether we have a lot or a little, we all have the capacity to give. So, when should we give?

We have been looking at how to be successful with money and the other resources God has given us. We have determined that successfully managing money and the possessions God has given us involves putting Him first in everything we do.

Now we look at managing our earlier years so that our later ones may be peaceful, happy ones. Finally, we will examine God’s guidance and counseling in our final years. How should we prepare for retirement and even death?

From a biblical perspective, we consider some of the things we should and should not do.  

Review any of our previous lessons at SabbathSchoolDaily.com.

Also, you can obtain the study guide to these lessons on Sabbath.School or ssnet.org

Asking for God’s Help

Our Heavenly Father, giving is a faith and trust issue. Remove from us the heart of selfishness, greed, and fear. Put within us the heart to give even when we have very little to give. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Money can make people do crazy things.

Here are a few traps that people with average to minimal income have done:

1. Rely on payday loans: Payday loans are short-term loans that typically come with very high-interest rates. People have turned to these loans to cover unexpected expenses or make ends meet, but the high-interest rates can quickly lead to a cycle of debt.
2. Spending money on lottery tickets: Some people may view the lottery as a way to get rich quick, so they spend a significant amount of money on lottery tickets in the hopes of winning the big one.
3. Buying things, seeking entertainment, or participating in recreational activities they cannot afford: Some people are tempted to buy things they can’t really afford, such as luxury items or expensive electronics, in an attempt to improve their quality of life or keep up with their friends and what they see on social media.
4. Not saving for emergencies: Without a financial cushion to fall back on, people may be forced to make difficult choices when unexpected expenses arise, such as taking out high-interest loans or skipping essential bills, such as their mortgage, rent, utilities, or car note.
5. Not seeking financial help: People may be hesitant to seek out financial assistance, either because of shame or a lack of awareness of the resources available to them.

The point is that the lack of money, and even having an abundance of money, can cause people to do some crazy and risky things.

Though money is not evil, Satan tries to turn money into a curse. But it doesn’t need to be that way. From a biblical perspective, with God’s help, we can say no to the devil’s plan by being good managers of the resources God has given us. Furthermore, we can start to plan now for what will happen to the money and possession we have when we die.

The following four verses provide rules about managing the money and other resources God has given us.

1 Timothy 6:17: reminds us that God is the ultimate source of wealth and that we should not put our trust in money.

17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. (I Timothy 6:17)

The rule for managing money here is to be humble and not to be prideful or arrogant, but instead, put our trust in God and not in wealth or riches.

2 Corinthians 4:18: emphasizes the importance of focusing on eternal things rather than temporary things.

18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)

The rule for managing money here is to invest in things that have lasting value, such as our relationship with God and others and our personal development, and our spiritual growth.

Proverbs 30:8: is a prayer asking God for just enough money to meet our needs as an antidote to becoming proud and forgetting God.

8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches— Feed me with the food allotted to me; (Proverbs 30:8)

The rule for managing money here is to be content with what we have and not to pursue wealth for the sake of greed.

Finally, Ecclesiastes 5:10: warns against the danger of loving money and pursuing it as our ultimate goal in life.

10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity. (Ecclesiastes 5:10)

The rule here is to use money wisely and not to be controlled by it.

Another crazy thing some do relates to the idea of planning for death. Many people have the tendency to hoard what they have and justify it by saying, “I can give it all away when I die.” So, while they live, they help no one. They spend all they have on themselves. They refuse to support God’s work. But this is not satisfactory. God expects us to be better managers of the resources He has given us.

Testimonies Church Volume 5 highlights the importance of being charitable and giving to the cause of God while still alive rather than waiting until death to do so. It says:

“Many withhold from the cause while they live, quieting their consciences that they will be charitable at death; they hardly dare exercise faith and trust in God to give anything while living. But this deathbed charity is not what Christ requires of His followers; it cannot excuse the selfishness of the living.

Those who hold fast their property till the last moment surrender it to death rather than to the cause. Losses are occurring continually. Banks fail, and property is consumed in very many ways. Many purpose to do something, but they delay the matter, and Satan works to prevent the means from coming into the treasury at all. It is lost before it is returned to God, and Satan exults that it is so.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 154.

Therefore, to avoid this:

1. Start giving now: If you believe in a cause or charity that you want to support, don’t wait until later in life to start giving. Even small donations can make a difference, and regular giving can help the organization plan and budget more effectively.
2. Trust in God: It can be scary to give away your money, especially if you’re not sure how you’ll make ends meet. But the Bible encourages us to trust in God’s provision and promises to bless those who give generously.
3. Don’t delay: As the quote notes, many people delay giving to the cause and end up never doing so. If you feel called to give, don’t let procrastination or fear hold you back.
4. Finally, be wise with your money: it’s important to be wise with our money and avoid wasting it on frivolous or unnecessary expenses. Creating a budget and being mindful of your spending can help you ensure that your money is being used in the best way possible.

By following these practical steps, you can avoid some of the crazies others have done with money. It will also help you start cultivating a spirit of charity and giving now while making a positive impact on the world around you.

He ultimately owns everything. It makes sense that when our life is finished on this earth, we should return it back to Him. How do we do that? Find out on Day 6: Living a Spiritual Legacy

If you wish to return the tithe or give an offering, consider giving online,

@ Adventistgiving.org

My Local Church:  

Hebron Seventh-day Adventist Church

 7902 Wheatly Street

Houston, TX 77088

Watch Past and Present Lessons at SabbathSchoolDaily.com