I’m addressing our “culture of more” that gets stronger all the time—the belief that contentment and fulfillment and happiness are for those who have a lot of money and “stuff.”  But the Bible’s principle of generosity is exactly the opposite.

Remember the parable Jesus taught about the rich man who had an abundant harvest and decided to build bigger barns so he could store his surplus grain. He said to himself, You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” And Jesus gave this warning, This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God (Luke 12:19-21).

Jesus is telling us that earthly success can cause great spiritual failure. If you’ve been thinking that more money would solve all your problems, think again. There are many stories of people who won a big jackpot and it ruined their lives. So, be careful what you wish for, as they say, and hold your money loosely. Be generous whether you have a lot of money or not so much. If you were to come into a lot of money, you have no idea how much that could change your life for the worse.

Think of this: how long did the “happiness” last after you bought that new thing you wanted so much? That car, or that house, or that new outfit, or that expensive vacation. Didn’t last as long as you thought it would, I imagine. But in contrast, the joy that you experience when you meet someone’s need, when you support your church, when you give to a worthy charity doesn’t go away. The “thank yous” and difference you can make in someone’s life are priceless and lasting.

The Apostle Paul told the believers in Corinth: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6). Generosity should be a trademark of all of us who are Christ-followers.