“One of the strengths of the book is that it ties giving in with our spiritual life. Often times we talk about it like it is a separate component of our Christianity. However, if our heart and spirits are right, then giving will naturally flow out of our transformed hearts.”

Read Craig’s “Five Favorite Quotes” here.

The Poor: A Cornerstone of Christian Generosity

Part 2

Part 3

To purchase The Secret of Generosity, click here.

“The land, moreover, shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are but aliens and sojourners with Me.” (Lev. 25:23)

Everything belongs to God. Often a first step in handling finances from a biblical perspective, a Christian must recognize that the “world and all it contains” belongs to God (Ps. 89:11). Pretty elementary so far, but when I read this passage from the Old Testament I realized another dynamic of biblical ownership. I reflected over the words “permanently” and “aliens…sojourners” for quite awhile. This summer my dad went home to His heavenly Father, and I experienced the death of a loved one for the first time in my life. Among countless other ways that such an event can shape you, I think it gave me an entirely different perspective on possessions. After my dad passed, we had to go through the process of sorting everything from his car to his clothes. A little eerie and awkward I will admit, but there was something strange about seeing my dad’s stuff still around after he was gone. Not too long after, I came across this verse.

First the word “permanently” caught my eye. I have seen first hand that our life here on earth is not permanent. The land, the inheritance of Israel, lasted a lot longer than any one man’s claim. The Bible is abundantly clear in this area. We are told that we are “just a vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes away.” (James 4:14) Therefore, the rightful owner of the land must be someone who doesn’t lose possession with death, debt, or sale.

Secondly, the words “aliens…sojourners” made their way into my wandering subconscience. It really is a perfect description of the biblical perspective: This is not our home, we are here temporarily until He returns or calls us home. This is why Jesus calls us to spend our time and energy investing in heaven. (Matt. 6:20)

Strange as it sounds to say this: my house, my truck, and many other things I “own” will outlive me. Who knows, one of my old T-shirts might bounce around a few thrift stores and end up in the back of some packrat’s closet and live longer than me! I don’t mean to sound sadistic, but stop by any antique store and you’ll realize that a lot of our possessions have a longer lifespan than us.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized how limited my understanding of ownership really was. I, like many other Christians, more or less thought of ownership as something to the effect of: “Well, He is God. He made everything, He sustains everything, so naturally it all belongs to Him.” I always thought of it from a God looking down perspective. As I think about it from a man looking up perspective, I realize just how foolish it is to think that we “own” stuff. If you think I am off here, stop by an estate sale.

Now don’t get me wrong, I believe the Bible supports the personal ownership of property, but I am speaking of mindset here. A mentality towards possessions that humbly recognizes that nothing here on earth is permanant and we are sojourners awaiting our heavenly home.

The proud focus on the financial failures of others. They use their knowledge of biblical instruction to criticize and condemn the actions of other people. The humble focus on their own need to grow and mature–continually recognizing how far they have to go to live up to the calling of the Bible’s instruction. They use their knowledge to help other people.

The proud have a deeply seeded sense of independence. They allow their financial success to drive a feeling of self-sufficiency. The humble awknowledge their dependence and are fully aware of their need of God’s provision (no matter how much money they have).

The proud have a demanding spirit, always making sure they get everything they think they deserve–down to the very last cent. The humble have a giving spirit and offer forgiveness and grace when they are shortchanged.

The proud have no concern for the poor. They figure the poor can “help themselves” if they want to improve their lot in life. The humble have a compassionate and caring heart for the poor, always eager to do what they can to help those in need.

The proud claim a boistrous control over their finances. They “check up on” gifts given and obsessively monitor their investments. The humble have a yielding spirit and recognize their money belongs to God. They are wise and good stewards, but show a certain level of detachment between their heart and money’s value.

The proud look down on those who make less money (and idolize those who make more). The humble view all people as equals and make no distinctions based on net-worth.

The proud want to be served. They have unrealistic expectations of everyone else–from their financial advisor to their waitress. The humble want to serve. They constantly search for opportunities to put other’s needs before their own.

The proud demand recognition and respect. They are upset and embittered when they feel overlooked or underappreciated. The humble make no chase after self-glorification (they work hard and well because of their character), and are happy to see others praised.

The proud are confident in how much they know and how well they handle their money. The humble are “humbled” by how much they have to learn.

The proud blame others for financial mistakes or lack of success. The humble accept personal responsibility for their mishaps.

The proud keep their financial decisions distant from everyone (sometimes even from their spouse), and refuse to seek advice for financial matters. The humble are open about how they handle their money with trusted friends (and especially their spouse!), and recognize the need for counsel.

The proud use money and possessions to portray image and status. They are very concerned with how they are viewed by others. The humble recognize the futility of defining oneself by temporal things.

The proud constantly compare themselves to other people: feeling good when they are doing better and jealous when they are not. The humble compare themselves to the holiness of God: seeing their desperate need of grace and gratitude for all of God’s blessings.

The proud cover their mistakes and try not to get caught (ie, misleading tax return). The humble repent of mistakes and strive for integrity regardless of whether or not anyone is watching.

The proud are obsessed with self-advancement in their career and social status. The humble are obsessed with helping others do well and achieve.

(I fully credit the heart of these insights to Nancy Leigh DeMoss. All I did was put them into a financial context.)

1. My summer schedule makes it hard to get into the routine of regular postings.

2. I am trying to wrap everything up on my second book:  Christ Centered Contentment: Claiming the abundant life He promised.

3. I am preparing to rollover to a new software for my site.

4. I am writing a Sunday School Curriculum for my church.

5. I desire to write quality posts worth reading.

So, check back soon.  I have decided to write one post a week.  That should be doable.