Empty Pockets - the Art of GivingSample

Money has a unique power to shape our hearts. If we let it, it can control us, but when we choose to hold it loosely and trust God, it can become a tool for incredible impact. Jesus warns us about the dangers of money because He knows how it can twist our priorities and steal our joy. But there’s good news: we don’t have to let it.

Your Actions Shape Your Heart

The choices you make today set the foundation for your future. If your attitude towards money mirrors Cain’s—holding back and waiting to see what happens—it will gain control over you. That’s why Jesus gave such a clear ultimatum:

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”

Cain’s attitude cost him more than his offering—it consumed him. Holding tightly to our resources can do the same. But when we loosen our grip, choosing instead to trust Jesus, we experience freedom and provision that only He can give.

The Power of Generosity

Generosity isn’t just about the amount—it’s about the heart. When we give, it’s a reminder that money isn’t our source of safety, joy, or life. God is.

When we give generously, we’re not just participating in God’s work—we’re transforming our own hearts. We align ourselves with God’s nature and reflect His generosity to the world.

Practical Steps to Master Money

Here are some practical ways to loosen money’s grip and trust God with your resources:

1. Practice Generosity Regularly: Start small if needed, but make generosity a consistent habit. Tithing to your Church is a great place to begin. It not only helps build something bigger than yourself but also reminds you to trust God as your provider.
2. Let Go of Control: Trust that God knows how to disperse your resources wisely. Like Paul says, “He has dispersed abroad.” God’s wisdom far exceeds our own, so surrender your plans to Him.
3. Be Intentional About Giving: Reflect on where you can make a difference. It’s not about giving what’s left over but choosing to prioritize generosity, even when it’s inconvenient.
4. Test God’s Generosity: Malachi 3:10 challenges us to test God in this area: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

A Shift in Heart

When you choose generosity, you’ll see how it shapes your heart and deepens your trust in God. As you give, you’ll start to see His favor and provision in ways you never imagined.

• You’ll be less stressed about money because you know God is your provider.
• You’ll find joy in seeing how your resources are being used for good.
• You’ll experience a deeper sense of freedom and purpose as you align your heart with God’s.

Take the First Step

Who do you want to be? Someone who’s mastered by money or someone who uses money to reflect God’s generosity? Start today. Whether it’s tithing, helping someone in need, or simply letting go of a tight grip on your resources, take a step of faith. Trust God with what you have, and watch how it changes not only your heart but the world around you.

Remember, generosity isn’t just an action—it’s a declaration that God is your provider, not money. So, give it a go and see how God shows up in your life!