Today's Devotional

August 1, 2005

Subject:  Treasure Exchange - A Message On Giving

Mark 10:21 - "Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me."

A young college student wandered into our church services a couple of weeks ago and immediately began lavishing the church members with praise about our kindness and openness.  Many of his words left us all wondering what his real "issues" were.  It truly seemed that he had other problems that he was covering.  He continually talked about how he had withdrawn from people because they were all "so messed up."  We responded back to him about how messed up we all are without the daily work of Christ in our lives.  He reluctantly seemed to agree.  Finally as I gave him a ride home he asked if I could give him ten dollars.  I told him "sure, but I've got to run to the ATM because I have no cash on me."  

This message isn't about how to discern where and when to give.  It's about our heart's intent in giving.  In the story of the rich, young ruler, from which the verse above is taken, Jesus tells him to exchange all of his earthly treasures, sell what you have and "give" to the poor, for heavenly treasures.  That's the same thing he's asking us to do today.

My point with the college student story is to ask, "what does ten dollars mean to me for an opportunity to minister the gospel message?  Is the gospel message significant enough to us to pay out of own pockets to deliver its message?  Would we give up our house to a stranger?  Would we give our best clothes to someone in need?  Would we give up our money to ensure that someone could eat?  God has truly blessed most Americans with many riches and today He asks that we exchange some of those and begin making deposits in the heavenly bank account.   Today make the treasure exchange and begin receiving eternal dividends.

Carlen