1 of 1

There are a few really hot cars in the church parking lot, and one of them is not yours, right? And even if they were, someone else would show up next month with a better car.

The truth is that if you or your husband has a full-time job in an English-speaking country, globally you are already among the "rich in this present age" (see 1 Timothy 6:17). Your income is higher than most of the people in this world. Two-thirds of the world eat mostly rice and beans, so if you had chicken last night, you are doing pretty well. Yet you probably are not too impressed with your "riches" because money is tricky stuff, and we always seem to have one eye on achieving the next level.

Yet this attitude can poison a marriage. When moving up or having more than your neighbors or friends becomes your focus, your bonding is based on acquiring possessions rather than outgiving each other in love. Joyful moments revolve around buying a new piece of furniture rather than around building memories together.

But when you focus on giving money instead of making it, you cultivate a generous personality. Generosity and largeness of heart create character and make you more accepting of each other's mistakes and foibles, more appreciative of each other's growth and increasing wisdom. (See also Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:19-24; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Hebrews 13:5,6.)

Do not be afraid when one becomes rich, when the glory of his house is increased. Psalm 49:16

How often do you give, rather than receive?

Copyright 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

 1 of 1