Empty Pockets - the Art of Givingಮಾದರಿ

Money is one of those things that influences us all, whether we have a lot of it or not enough. The question isn’t how much we have, but how we approach it. Are we mastering our money, or is it mastering us? Let’s explore how we can ensure money doesn’t control our lives and how we can use it to honor God.

One of the most inspiring stories about generosity is found in Mark 12.

“Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.’”

This widow’s act wasn’t about the amount she gave but the heart behind it. She trusted God as her provider and gave out of her faith, not her surplus. Her action showed that generosity isn’t tied to wealth but to intentionality and trust in God.

Who Is Your Provider?

If money is your provider, you’ll always feel the need to hold on tightly. You’ll worry about the next paycheck, stress about debt, and feel envious of others. But if God is your provider, you can release those worries, knowing He will take care of you.

2 Corinthians 9:10 reminds us:

“For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.”

God promises to meet your needs and give you enough to share. When we trust Him as our provider, we free ourselves from the fear and control money can bring.

The Story of Cain and Abel

In Genesis 4, we see two very different approaches to giving:

• Abel gave the best portions of the firstborn lambs as a sacrifice to God. His offering showed a heart of gratitude and trust in God.
• Cain, on the other hand, gave “some” of his crops, holding back the best for himself. His heart wasn’t in the right place, and his offering reflected it.

God accepted Abel’s offering because it was given with the right heart, but Cain’s offering was rejected because it came from a place of stinginess and self-interest. God’s warning to Cain is clear:

“You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master."

The difference between the two brothers wasn’t in what they gave but in their attitude toward their resources. Abel mastered his resources to honor God, while Cain was mastered by his resources.

What Will You Be Known For?

Every day, you have a choice to make about how you will handle money and resources. Will you:

• Be generous or stingy?
• Live with faith or fear?
• Trust in God’s provision or rely on your own efforts?

Here are some practical steps to help you master money with a generous heart:

1. Decide Who Your Provider Is: Reflect on whether you’re trusting God or money to meet your needs. Pray and surrender control to God.
2. Give Intentionally: Start small if needed, but practice generosity with what you have. It’s not about the amount—it’s about the heart.
3. Avoid Hoarding: Follow Abel’s example by giving God the best of what you have, not the leftovers.
4. Check Your Heart: Ask yourself why you’re giving. Are you giving to honor God, or are you expecting something in return?

When you intentionally decide to trust God and give generously, you’re not just mastering money - you’re letting God’s provision and blessings flow through you. So, what will you be known for? Let your actions show a heart of trust, faith, and generosity every day.