No, these are treasures that will matter to us in ways we can’t imagine now. The apostle Paul was so motivated by them, he wrote, “No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” (1 Cor. 9:27).
Getting someone to give out of the right motives to the right causes will bestow upon them countless blessings in the life to come. They will thank you later for giving them the opportunity for investing in the eternal now.
Ask yourself: “Do I really believe the person I’m asking money from will be rewarded with unimaginable blessings in heaven as a result of their generosity?” “Am I willing to do what it takes to see them get blessed in the next life by challenging them to give in this life?”
3. When someone gives, it changes their deepest priorities.
Jesus put it this way in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In other words, what you give toward is what determines and reveals your true priorities.
People often say a person gives to what they are passionate about. But the opposite is even more true. People become passionate about what they give toward. Their hearts follow their treasure.
So, if you want to become passionate about reaching the lost with the Gospel, give toward it.
If you want to become passionate about social justice, give toward it.
Why? Because your heart follows your checkbook, debit card and wallet more than it follows your mouth! The great evangelist DL Moody said he could tell more about a person’s spiritual condition by their checkbook than their prayer journal.
Helping someone to give toward causes close to the heart of Christ actually makes their hearts more like Christ’s! In this way generosity is an almost unparalleled discipleship tool that accelerates the spiritual growth of the giver.
Ask yourself, “Do I view generosity as a tool for discipleship, or do I feel like a tool when I ask someone for money?”
With this in mind, I would not be representing this blogpost well if I didn’t ask you to consider a year-end gift to the ministry of Dare 2 Share. If you want to an exciting mission that reaches teens for Christ in this life, transforms your personal priorities and builds your stockpile of riches in heaven, then click here to donate.
If you aren’t willing to ask the same for your ministry, then you may need to rethink your role there.
