Live for Your Heavenly Home, Not for This Life - day 12

Live for Your Heavenly Home, Not for This Life

Hebrews 11:10
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

Matthew 6:19-20
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
20 But, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;

What if I told you I’d give you a $100 bill for every one dollar of monopoly money that you gave me? This would be quite a good deal for you wouldn’t it? You would be saying, “I can give up something that is not really worth anything, and in exchange, I get receive back something that is really worth a decent amount.” God asks us to view life in a similar way. What He says is this: I have entrusted you with temporary and earthly resources. Your time, your energy, your finances, these are the kinds of blessings He gives us on earth. What God also says, though, is: based on how you handle these temporary blessings; I am willing to give you abundantly more in heaven. If God’s children are willing to live generously with what God has given them and to not shrink away from the roles God has called them to play, then truly they can expect treasure in heaven that makes any earthly goods pale in comparison.

Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.”

In your heart do you believe what Jesus said in Matt 19:29 that whatever He calls you to give up in this world you can expect 100 times as much in return in heaven? This is not a simple thing; but, understand this: Jesus is not saying what you have in this world is worthless. Rather, He is saying that even with how much your worldly things are worth, He can give you so, so much more. We are called to live generously, not because of what we expect in this life; but, because of what God promises us in heaven. Life is not so simple as a game of monopoly. But, then again, the reward that awaits us is infinitely more glorious than a mere $100 bill.

Today’s Generosity Challenge:
Okay, this is a big one. While you were reading today’s devotion, what came to mind to give up? Does it frighten you? Is it a car, a large sum of money, or a piece of property? Through prayer, if you think this is something with which to bless someone else, THEN DO IT! Be sure to write down your experience, your feeling of fear, and the blessings below. Return to this day often.

About Michael Stickler

Mike is an author, radio host, and a highly sought after motivational speaker. His best-selling book, A Journey to Generosity, is widely acclaimed throughout the Christian community. He is the publisher of Generous Living Magazine and writes for the Christian Post, 'A Generous Life' column.