Place God First in Budgeting and Spending - Day 11

September 5, 2012

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  Matthew 6:33

As you selfishly read this Bible verse, the question that first comes to mind is "what would you like to be given to you?"  Maybe you can think of some good stuff you might like.  I know that a new Ipad might be nice.  You might perfer a trip to Europe or China.  In a way, it seems too simple to think that by following Jesus and trying to live righteously, free from guilt or sin that we might be able to have things just given to us.  On the other hand, being honest, hardworking, and not greedy is actually a very successful business model..I know many businesses that have thrived because they followed a Christian ethic.  But there's something more here, isn't there?  We want things because we want to be happy.

This is where Jesus turns the world upside down in a way that surprises us.  We, all of us, were created in the image of God.  The Holy Spirit blew a breath of life into me just as the Spirit did for you.  Jesus is in our DNA.  We can't scratch Him out.  So what is the surprise in the way we are created to be happy?  Having stuff given to us really doesn't make us happy.  It is when we give to others that we are happy.  The youth on our recent mission trips said that their happiest time all year is when they are working fiercely to help the poor and the homeless.  It is a bigger high for them than Christmas.  The surprise is, we are all make that way.  When we give, we are happy. That's not a wishful platitude.  It is scientific.  If you have 11 minutes, you can see the proof youself at http://www.ted.com/talks/michael_norton_how_to_buy_happiness.html.  So, if you see Jesus and his righteousness, you may find that you have been given talents, abilities, or stuff.  If you want to be happy, you take the things you've been given and you freely give it to others.  Do not fear.  Don't worry. Be happy.  Give.

Dear Jesus, give me the courage to follow you today.  Help me to live a life that is in accord with your divine law, free from guilt or sin.  Thank you for the gifts you have given me that I can joyfully and happily share.  Open my clenched fist that, out of fear, hangs tight to my coins, let me share and thus be happy.  Thank you for the gift of being able to give.  Amen.

Author:  Jeff Reich