
Treasure is one of the three pillars for a balanced Christian life, alongside time and talent. As Christians, we believe that everything we have comes from God, and we are called to use our resources, including our financial resources, in a way that honors Him.
The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who gave generously to support the work of God and to care for those in need. One such example is the widow who gave two small coins, which Jesus praised as a greater offering than the large amounts given by the wealthy (Mark 12:41-44). Another example is Barnabas, who sold a field and gave the money to the church to support its ministry (Acts 4:36-37).
As Christians, we are called to give generously and sacrificially, not only to support the work of the church, but also to care for the needs of others. This includes giving to those who are poor, hungry, sick, and in need of shelter and clothing. It also means being willing to give of our time and talents to serve those in need.
One of the key principles of giving as Christians is the concept of tithing, which involves giving a portion of our income to support the work of the church. The Bible teaches that tithing is an act of worship and obedience to God, and that it helps to support the ministry of the church and care for those in need (Malachi 3:10). However, tithing is not the only form of giving, and Christians are called to be generous in all areas of their lives.
Another important principle of giving as Christians is the concept of stewardship, which involves recognizing that everything we have belongs to God, and that we are called to manage our resources in a way that honors Him. This means being responsible and wise with our finances, avoiding debt and overspending, and investing in areas that align with God’s values and priorities.
Furthermore, giving as Christians involves a heart of gratitude and thankfulness. We should recognize that everything we have, including our financial resources, is a gift from God, and we should give out of a spirit of thankfulness and joy. Giving should not be seen as a burden or obligation, but rather as a privilege and an opportunity to participate in God’s work in the world.
However, giving as Christians also involves discernment and wisdom. We should be mindful of scams and fraudulent organizations, and we should ensure that the organizations we give to are reputable and aligned with God’s values and priorities. We should also be mindful of our own financial needs and responsibilities, and we should give in a way that is responsible and sustainable for our own lives and the lives of our families.
In conclusion, treasure is an essential pillar for a balanced Christian life. As Christians, we are called to give generously and sacrificially, recognizing that everything we have belongs to God. We should give to support the work of the church and to care for those in need, and we should manage our resources in a way that honors God and aligns with His values and priorities. Giving should be an act of worship and obedience, done with a heart of gratitude and joy, but also with discernment and wisdom. By giving as Christians, we can make a positive impact on the world and participate in God’s work of love, justice, and compassion.