MORE TO LIFE THAN JUST MONEY! The quest for money has a controlling factor that keeps us going. We spend our days working to earn it, and then we use the rest of our time spending it to buy the things we need and, many times, things that we don’t need. But there’s more to life than just the pursuit of money.

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 possessions involves putting God first in everything we do.

We understand now that managing our earlier years is an important factor in ensuring that our later ones may be peaceful, happy ones. Furthermore, we conclude that following God’s guidance and counseling is most helpful in determining what we should and should not do in preparation for retirement and even death.

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Asking for God’s Help

Precious Lord, help us to recognize that everything we have is a gift from you and that we are merely managers of your resources. Give us hearts filled love and minds willing to give. May our acts of love and giving bring us closer to you and others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

If humans had not sinned, there would be no greed, poverty, or hoarding in the world. We would have giving hearts void of greed and selfishness.

But, because we live in a fallen world, it becomes necessary that we realize that everything we have ultimately belongs to God, and we are simply stewards and managers of what He has put in our hands.

Hence, God expects us to care for our family’s needs and then, with hearts of love, and thankfulness, give that which remains back to Him.

For instance, the following Bible passages make the central point that everything we have belongs to God, and we are merely stewards or managers of His resources.

Psalms 24:1

1 The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. (Psalms 24:1)

Hebrews 3:4

4 For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God. (Hebrews 3:4)

Psalms 50:10

10 For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. (Psalms 50:10)

Genesis 14:19

19 And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; (Genesis 14:19)

Colossians 1:15-17

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. (Colossians 1:15-17)

The point is that everything that we own, everything that we possess belongs to God!

Thus, when we recognize that everything we have belongs to Him, we make every effort to use those resources wisely and generously.

We give back to Him when we give toward his work of spreading the Gospel and helping others that are in need. What’s more, by giving to the work of God, we are storing up treasures in heaven that will last for eternity.

Yes, we should take care of our families and loved ones, but God also expects us to give back to His work through various means, such as in tithes, offerings, charitable giving, and helping others that are in need.

There are advantages to giving generously and unselfishly to God’s work.

For example:

Giving allows us to see the results of our gifts. When we give to our church, mission, or a favorite charity, we can see firsthand the impact that our gifts are making in the lives of others. This can be a powerful motivator to continue giving generously while we are still living rather than waiting until we die, leaving our loved ones to distribute what remains.

As expressed in the previous lesson, many have the tendency to use what they have now and leave what remains to give after they are gone. But, giving now provides a greater reward.

1. Giving now allows ministries, charitable organizations, or individuals to benefit when they need it most.
2. By giving now, we can provide immediate assistance to those who are struggling or in need, rather than waiting until after we die to distribute our resources.
3. Giving now can minimize estate tax consequences. By giving generously during our lifetime, we can reduce the size of our estate and thus minimize the amount of taxes that our heirs will have to pay. 
4. Giving now sets a good example for our families. When we give generously, we demonstrate to our loved ones the value of generosity and love for others. This can inspire future generations to continue the tradition of giving.
5. Giving now guarantees that our gifts will be made to the desired entity or organization. By specifying our wishes in our will or by giving during our lifetime, we can ensure that our gift will go to the organizations or causes that we care about rather than being subject to intervention from courts or disgruntled relatives.

Giving helps us change from selfishness to unselfishness. When we give generously, we show that our hearts have been changed from a focus on self to a focus on others. This can be a powerful witness to those around us and can inspire others to do the same.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, giving generously to God’s work allows us to store up treasures in heaven that will last for eternity.

As Ellen G. White wrote in Counsels on Stewardship, “In giving to the work of God, you are laying up for yourselves treasures in heaven. All that you lay up above is secure from disaster and loss, and is increasing to an eternal, an enduring substance” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 342).

In summary, giving generously to God’s work is not only a recognition of His ownership over everything we have, but also a practical and meaningful way to make a difference in the lives of others, set a good example for our families, and store up treasures in heaven that will last.

Thus, we should recognize that everything we have comes from God and give generously to His work while we are alive, storing up treasures in heaven that will last forever.

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

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