On living free and full lives.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
These words punctuate one of Jesus’ most direct teachings on money, and Jesus had a lot to say about money. Some scholars estimate about 25% of his teachings were about money. That’s a sermon every month at your local church. Yikes.
Most people believe giving money is generally a good idea and vaguely know something about the concept of tithing. Which means we’re quick to roll our eyes and unintentionally miss what Jesus is saying, assuming we already know how the sermon ends.
But just notice this one line again: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What is Jesus’ driving motivation for people to give generously here? It’s not to appease a money-hungry God, or score some spiritual points, or store up some IOU’s so God will give you that porsche you’ve been dreaming of. It’s actually much better than that—yes, even better than the porsche. It’s to keep your heart free from the stranglehold money so often has on us.
Jesus’ deep desire for us is to flourish in every sense of the word. To live freely, fully and rightly. To experience the rhythms of grace and the joy of life as his people who bear his image in the good world he designed. His desire is for life to the full.
Which brings us back to the monthly sermon on money we roll our eyes at. Whether we like it or not, few things pull on the human heart as powerfully as money. Few things corrupt and co-opt a flourishing life like the pursuit for more money. Elsewhere, Jesus calls money a “master”, implying a sense of slavery.
But Jesus wants us to be free—to flourish. So how do we resist money’s grip over our hearts? One simple way is to give it away.
Giving is a formative rhythm that helps keep our hearts and hands open, as we are shaped into generous people who mirror a generous God. It’s like a muscle we work. Each time we give we resist the power of money and experience the joy of living with open hands, holding loosely to however much or little we have. It’s not just an act of obedience but also an act of resistance and rebellion in a culture where more is always better and where money is often idolized.
Today is Giving Tuesday. It ironically happens to fall right after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, where we have an accepted cultural practice of overspending on stuff we don’t need for ourselves. Maybe today is an opportunity to reexamine and reorient our hearts around what matters most as we work the muscle of generosity and give freely.
As we work towards planting a new church in Kelowna, we’re believing for generous givers to come alongside and help us launch strong. By giving financially towards Garden Church, you invest in the foundation and future of a vibrant church where people can grow in their life with God, find community, and serve the city together.
Would you consider partnering with us through a one-time donation, or with a regular rhythm of financial generosity as we plant a new church in Kelowna? Thank you for your participation in the Gospel!
