Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
“It is easy with God to make up to men what they give in charity. Many but little consider how their prosperity or ill success in their outward affairs depends upon Providence. There are a thousand turns of Providence, to which their affairs are liable, whereby God may either add to their outward substance, or diminish from it, a great deal more than they are ordinarily called to give to their neighbors. How easy is it with God to diminish what they possess by sickness in their families, by drought, or frost, or mildew, or vermin; by unfortunate accidents, by entanglements in their affairs, or disappointments in their business! And how easy is it with God to increase their substance, by suitable seasons, or by health and strength; by giving them fair opportunities for promoting their interest in their dealings with men; by conducting them in his providence, so that they attain their designs; and by innumerable other ways which might be mentioned! How often is it, that only one act of providence in a man’s affairs either adds to his estate, or diminishes from it, more than he would need to give to the poor in a whole year.”
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) in Christian Charity or The Duty of Charity to the Poor, Explained and Enforced (1732) section III.V.
Jenni and I have chosen to rest this weekend at her parent’s place. We put some of those frequent flyer miles to work.
That’s the purpose of the resources we steward. To use them for enjoyment or sharing. Imagine how silly it would be to die with frequent flyer miles. Can’t take those to heaven.
But think about it. Most people live like they can control the host of factors surrounding their stewardship. This post reflects how little control we have.
The “thousand turns” of Providence can remove or replenish a steward’s resources in a heartbeat. Our role is to use them rightly the moment we possess them.
Some who read this have amassed wealth on earth. They say they need it to live the next 30 years. But, as my friend Michael Blue says, what about the next 30 million years?
Use what you have for giving, living, serving, and loving. God will, in one turn or a thousand, refill your cup and coffer. That’s what I am asking Him to do to mine right now.
He will. He is faithful. He can do it.