Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
“Afflictions are exceedingly useful to us, to keep us from mistaking our rest. A Christian’s motion toward heaven is voluntary, and not constrained. Those means, therefore, are most profitable, which help his understanding and will. The most dangerous mistake of our souls is, to take the creature for God, and earth for heaven. What warm, affectionate, eager thoughts have we of the world, till afflictions cool and moderate them! Afflictions speak convincingly, and will be heard when preachers cannot. Many a poor Christian is sometimes bending his thoughts to wealth, or flesh-pleasing, or applause, and so loses his relish of Christ and the joy above, till God breaks in upon his riches, or children, or conscience, or health, and breaks down his mountain which he thought so strong.”
Richard Baxter (1615-1691) in The Saints’ Everlasting Rest (Grand Rapids: CCEL), Excerpt from Ch. 10 “The saint’s rest is not to be expected on earth,” 114.
Take a moment and ask yourself these questions. Where you will be in 50 years? 50 million year? 500 million years? Notice the difference in your mind. Why do this?
Our riches, children, and conscience pivot on our answer. We shape not only our own eternal destiny but we influence our children. Think about how this relates to generosity.