The man in this story was a ‘good’ living man; he told Jesus that he had kept all the commandments that Jesus listed. Jesus, knowing his heart, knew exactly what was more important to this man than following after him. Jesus knew that this man was wealthy and that his heart was tethered to his money, his treasure. So Jesus tells him to sell all that he has and give it to the poor and he will have treasures in heaven. 

This was not something he was willing to do! He went away sad and as far as we know, he never changed his mind.

Jesus also said that it is very difficult for a rich person to enter heaven. 

Is money evil? No! Money is necessary for living and we can use it for good purposes. 

The problem wasn’t that he was wealthy, the problem was that he loved his money more than he loved God and he was not willing to obey Jesus in this.

I Timothy 6:10 says 

The LOVE of money is the ROOT of all evil.

Many people struggle with their relationship with money.

In the following 2 passages we receive teaching about the good use of money and the dangers of money.

Matthew 6: 19-21

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. [20] Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. [21] Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Luke 12:14-21 NLT

 Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” [15] Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” [16] Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. [17] He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ [18] Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. [19] And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”‘

[20] “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ [21] “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

Christians and non-Christian’s do struggle with wanting more and more stuff, more things, bigger, better…it boils down to covetousness. As in the passage above, BBS is the issue, Bigger Barn Syndrome.

As Matthew 6:20 teaches us, we can not take our money or anything with us when we die but we can send it on ahead! We can have treasures in heaven!

Pastor Aaron Filippone, Indian Rocks Baptist Church shares from these passages of scripture  the following important truths about money and our relationship with it. 

Money is not about money. It is a gauge that shows us what is going on in our heart.

1. 1. God is the owner of everything
   2. God made us managers /stewards of the money He allows us to manage.
   3. God has a plan for our use of money: Give first, Save, Live on the rest.
   4. We give because God gave everything.

In Malachi 3:10-15 God promises to bless His children as we give Him back to Him what He has given to us to manage. He goes so far as to ask us to ‘test’ Him in this. 

I can personally testify to God’s faithfulness in taking care of our every need over many years now as we consistently gave back to His work, His service. He does not promise to give us everything we ‘want’- sometimes what we want is not good for us!

If we choose to be obedient to God and steward His money wisely,  we will support our local church financially and with our service and….

• We will give cheerfully,
• We will tithe regularly

So consider the following ways of giving and the benefits we reap from giving- found in this article The Life of Giving-The Benefits

What Can You Give?

• • Giving of money
  • Giving of time
  • Giving of prayers and worship
  • Giving of counsel and friendship
  • Giving of ourselves – heart, mind, soul

Benefits of Giving

1. 1. It brings order to your life and finances.
   2. It demonstrates that God has first place in your life.
   3. It stretches your faith.
   4. It reminds you that you are not in control, but God is.
   5. You get to celebrate when lives are changed.
   6. You get to model for your kids what Biblical stewardship looks like.
   7. You play a part in getting the gospel out around the world.
   8. It breaks the grip of greed and selfishness in your life.
   9. You get to invest in something much bigger than yourself that will last much longer than you.
   10. You discover that you can never out-give God!

Don’t miss out on God’s blessing – follow His design for managing the money He has given you to steward! 

Send your treasures on ahead to Heaven!