There are many ways to honor God with our lives. Working with integrity honors Him. Demonstrating Christ-like character magnifies him. Sharing our faith with others and being a person of prayer brings glory to God. But throughout Scripture, God regularly instructs us to also honor Him with our possessions.
Why does God talk so much about money? Because He knows it is vitally important to us. Money represents our ability to acquire worldly goods and to enjoy the bestthat the world has to offer. Money represents our freedom to do what we want. It signifies our autonomy. It also can bring us prestige and respect. To part with our wealth is to surrender our ability to achieve those things the world declares to be most important.
How do you know if you own your money or if your money owns you? Simple. Give it away! If you can do it easily, you possess your money. If you can’t, it owns you. God does not ask us to give Him our leftovers or what we feel we can comfortably afford without impinging in any way on our lifestyle. God commands us to give to Him first and to give Him our best. What we surrender to God reflects our view of Him and our love for Him. Don’t declare that you love God with all your heart and then only give Him your leftovers!
But, know also that God will not be your debtor. You will never outgive Him! He will match your generosity and then give you far more. Take time today to reflect on what your current giving to God reflects about your love and commitment for Him.