The Money Test
In a world fixated on accumulating wealth and possessions, Jesus offers a counter-cultural teaching: to store our treasures in heaven. This principle is vividly illustrated in Mark 12:41-44, where Jesus contrasts the offerings of the rich with the humble gift of a poor widow. She gave two small coins, which was everything she had, demonstrating extravagant generosity and complete trust in God’s provision. Jesus celebrated her sacrifice, highlighting that true generosity isn’t measured by the size of the gift, but by the portion of our wealth we are willing to give back to God.
Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
This widow’s story teaches us that our sanctification leads to sacrificial generosity, reflecting the heart of Jesus who gave everything for us.
A few years ago, my son Lincoln and I were playing in our front yard when he told me, “I have good news, and I have bad news. The bad news is, we’re gonna have to excavate your house. The good news is…you got a package!” Usually, when we receive good and bad news, they are not equally impactful. When it comes to wealth, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is we are rich. Compared to most humans throughout history, we are crazy rich. If you have access to a car, a phone, or modern entertainment of any kind, you are crazy rich. The bad news is we are rich. Wealth can distract us from our dependence on God. The pursuit of more can consume us, making it harder to enter the Kingdom of God.
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!
Why is it difficult for a rich person to join God’s forever family? Because the pursuit of money takes all of our attention. Marketers make you think that what you don’t have is what you need. We are tempted to focus on our lack rather than our blessings, but happiness is found in contentment. God tells us that he will supply all of our needs while we follow him. This promise allows us to focus on what really matters while he takes care of the rest. God is omnipotent. He can take care of the small details and the most important details simultaneously, but focusing on insignificant details distracts from important details.
In addition, focusing on temporary pleasure leaves a hole in our lives that cannot be filled by anything physical, and as we attempt to fill a spiritual hole with physical assets, we develop addictions to physical assets. Consumeristic addictions lead to overconsumption and gluttony. If you’re reading this, you’re rich, but because of the availability of loans, our pursuit of more can make you poor. An inability to delay gratification leads us to borrow from the future to fulfill the desires of the present.
Are you in debt? If yes, what is that debt costing you? What is it really costing you? Not just financially, but also emotionally and spiritually. You’re rich. That’s great, but be rich spiritually.
There’s a biblical perspective on wealth that provides balance. Ecclesiastes 5:19 points out that wealth and the health to enjoy it are gifts from God. Our task is to recognize this gift and use it responsibly, not for self-indulgence, but to honor God and serve others.
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
Paul’s advice to Timothy encapsulates the balance we need. Wealth isn’t inherently evil; it’s our attitude towards it and how we use it that matters. We are called to be rich in good works and generous, storing up treasures in heaven through acts of kindness and generosity. Our reward is in Heaven. Jesus promised great rewards for those who follow him faithfully, emphasizing this 75 times. Living generously is about investing in eternity.
Let’s stop pursuing the fleeting riches of this world and focus on storing treasures in Heaven. By living generously, we reflect the heart of Jesus and make an eternal impact. Our ultimate reward is not in earthly accolades or comforts but in the eternal joy of seeing lives transformed for God’s kingdom.
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
In the story of the widow’s coins, Jesus didn’t criticize the rich people for being rich, and he didn’t necessarily criticize their generosity. Instead, he celebrated the extravagant generosity of the widow. She had incredible faith in God to provide for her. Jesus calculated the percentage of their generosity. It’s not about the size of our gift. Jesus was teaching his disciples to do the math and calculate the percentage of their generosity. God trusted us with everything we have. He trusted us to do the right thing. Our sanctification leads us to extravagant generosity, and Jesus celebrates the moments that we give the way he gave, when we give sacrificially.
Reflect on your giving habits today. Generosity is a key indicator of spiritual health and maturity. Jesus often used money as a test of loyalty and commitment, and the money God has given you is a test, a test to grade your spiritual maturity. Are you passing the test?
