In what ways can we prioritize God's kingdom over material wealth? Living Rich Toward God “ So is the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” — Luke 12:21 What the Parable Reminds Us • Earth-side surplus can hide a poverty of soul. • God measures riches not by accumulation but by relationship and obedience. • A full barn without a ready heart leaves a person unprepared to meet the Lord (Luke 12:20). Signs We’re Leaning on Wealth Instead of the Kingdom • Anxiety rises or falls with the stock market (Matthew 6:25-34). • Generosity feels like loss rather than worship (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). • Time spent pursuing income continually crowds out prayer, fellowship, and service (Hebrews 10:25). • Plans center on “what I’ll have” instead of “how I’ll serve” (James 4:13-15). Practical Ways to Prioritize the Kingdom Over Material Wealth 1. Redirect the First Portion – “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest” (Proverbs 3:9). – Decide that giving, not spending or saving, gets the opening line in every budget. 2. Invest in Eternal Accounts – “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). – Channel resources toward gospel work, mercy ministries, missionaries, church planting, Bible translation. 3. Cultivate Contentment – “If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these” (1 Timothy 6:8). – Regularly thank God aloud for simple provisions to train the heart away from covetousness. 4. Live Open-Handed – Keep useful items circulating: lend tools, share vehicles, open the dinner table (Acts 2:44-45). – Budget margin for spontaneous generosity—the Spirit often nudges in real time. 5. Rehearse Future Reality – “Set your minds on things above” (Colossians 3:2). – Meditate on passages describing the New Jerusalem and the believer’s inheritance (Revelation 21). 6. Let Kingdom Priorities Shape Career Decisions – Evaluate jobs by kingdom impact, family health, church involvement—not salary alone (Ephesians 5:15-17). – Be willing to cap hours or refuse promotions that choke spiritual life. 7. Model Kingdom Economics at Home – Involve children when giving offerings; tell the stories behind missionary support letters (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). – Celebrate testimonies of lives changed, not just financial milestones. 8. Hold All Things in Trust – Pray daily, “Lord, everything in my hands belongs to You; show me where to deploy it today.” – Maintain updated wills and plans that bless kingdom causes after you’re gone (Psalm 112:9). Promises That Anchor the Journey • God knows what we need and delights to provide (Matthew 6:31-33). • “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). • Generosity now lays “a firm foundation for the future” and leads to “the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19). Bringing It Home Choosing kingdom over cash is not about forced poverty; it’s about joyful priority. Wealth becomes a tool, not a master. When resources flow through us instead of pooling around us, Luke 12:21 stops being a warning and starts becoming a description of our everyday life—rich toward God. |
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