If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. Luke 16:10
“He who is not liberal with what he has, does but deceive himself when he thinks would be more liberal if he had more.”
William Swan Plumer (1802-1880), a leading Presbyterian intellectual in the 1800’s, on “Liberality” in A Dictionary of Thoughts, edited by Tryon Edwards (Detroit: Dickerson, 1908) 299.
I love it when saints through the centuries dismantle false narratives that prevail in the minds of people with a short profound statements like this one. Think about it. We’ve all said or heard someone else say, “If that business deal goes through, then I will give” or “When I make more money, then I will give more.”
The time to be generous is always now (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:11)! Likely ringing in his ears was the famous quote by Francis Quarles (1592-1644) which I posted on 28 September 2015. “Proportion thy charity to the strength of thy estate, lest God proportion thy estate to the weakness of thy charity.”
In biblical terms giving that is acceptable to God is always based on what we have and not some future level of resources (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:12). Regardless of your past financial decisions, don’t allow yourself to be deceived. Be faithful and generous right now with what you have.
Need help for the journey? Check out my latest book, Good and Faithful: Ten Stewardship Lessons for Everyday Living. Get a copy for each person on your Christmas list. Help prepare those you love to hear the words “Well Done!” when they meet our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:23).