The parable of the talents tells us we are to use our resources to further the Kingdom of God. He gives us some resources and some time, called life, to place in eternally significant investments. We are to be givers. There are many of us who feel compelled to be generous with what God has given us, but we are unable to so. Our financial picture does not allow us do what we know we should do.
Let’s take a look at a few hinderances that can hold back generosity:
- Debt. Imagine, for a moment, you were free of debt. Imagine what you could do with the resources currently committed to a credit card company, even if it were just the amount of interest pay every month. Debt is a generosity killer. It limits the amount you can give, and your freedom to give without hesitation.
- The absence of a plan. Most call this a budget. A budget is your plan to manage your money well. Without a plan, it is easy to lose track of expenditures. Maybe, you eat out more than you should. Maybe, you spend too much money on clothes. And now you have less money to give away.
- Trying to keep up with the Joneses. Comparing your house, car, and vacations with those around you will create dissatisfaction in your life. And, ironically, no material purchase will alleviate it. Trying to match or outdo your neighbors and Facebook friends is a never-ending, never-satisfying pursuit. You will only find yourself frustrated and having invested little in Kingdom causes.
- Thinking it is ours. God owns everything. We are simply temporary managers of His resources. When we begin to think His stuff is our stuff, attachment sets in. And we are less willing to give it away. God did not design us to be hoarders, but conduits through which His generosity flows.
We are to be givers. It is what we were designed to do. Getting out of debt, creating a plan, and finding satisfaction with what you have can open up space in your finances to be more generous. They are pursuits worth chasing.
Written by Art Rainer, member of the Summit Stewardship and Generosity Ministry Leadership Team.
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