In a time when people have never owned more stuff, we’ve never been more owned by our stuff. So we tend to get uncomfortable when we read Jesus’ charge to us to care for the poor, particularly when it requires self-sacrifice. It might not sound appealing to part with our things, but things should always take a backseat to people — especially when those people have the potential to become brothers or sisters in Christ as a consequence of the love, compassion, and generosity we extend to them.

The easiest and most accurate way to find out what your heart is truly devoted to is to look at your finances and see where they’re going. God promises to take care of us in all of our needs, but we have to trust Him and let Him be Lord over our whole lives, including our money and the ways we use it.

How we handle our finances — especially when it comes to how we give — has a way of “tipping the scales” for or against us, because God sees the intent of our hearts. It’s important that we’re honest with our money, including when paying people who work for us. Are we living lives of generosity like we’ve been called to do?

Jesus warns that money reveals the condition of the heart in Matthew 6:21 when He says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Money fosters a love/hate relationship: it can either control us, and we become slaves to its influence, or we can surrender it to God, and allow it to be used as a conduit for His Kingdom’s purposes.

“Do not steal” is such an important subject to God that not only is it talked about all through Scripture, but it’s one of the Ten Commandments. Yet there are seemingly small areas of our lives where, as Christians, we might think it’s okay, or that it doesn’t really “count” as stealing. One example of an area in which we steal from God is by not tithing back to Him what was rightfully His to begin with.

Do you give God your first fruits, or your last leftovers? We all spend money on earthly pleasures, but when it comes to investing in eternal rewards, we have a tendency to hesitate or make excuses. God calls us to give — and to give generously — to His Church and to His Kingdom.

Many people chase after riches on earth, but those riches last only for a moment in the grand scheme of eternity. Our focus as followers of Jesus needs to be on storing up riches in Heaven by spreading the Gospel and influencing people for Christ. When we put Him first, God promises to take care of us in all circumstances.

Tithing isn’t about giving back to God what’s left over — it’s about giving back to God what’s first. Tithing means taking the first of our income and offering it to the One who gave it to us to begin with. Funding His Church isn’t about raising big buildings or buying material things; it’s about investing in the Great Commission to spread the Gospel, while trusting Him to take care of us and meet all our needs.

God’s given each and every one of us amazing gifts, talents, and abilities — and they’re best used when they glorify Him. The greatest gift that’s ever been given is Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. All we have to do is receive it.

Everything we have has been given to us by God — which means it was never really ours, anyway. Before we buy anything, we should be praying and asking Him if it’s a wise purchase. Over time, as we start to view “our” money as God’s money, we begin to think twice about how we spend it.

Jesus said “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” during the Sermon On The Mount (Matthew 6:21), because He knew this world’s “treasures” can easily force themselves way too high on the ol’ priority list. Let’s be sure to keep our hearts (and cash) prioritized with lasting treasures. Now THAT’S living an abundant life!

When we can’t see the poor and the needy all around us, chances are, it’s not because they’re not there — it’s because we’re too distracted to even notice. Our busy schedules, pursuit of earthly success, and love for material possessions can all hinder us from seeing those who God’s called us to help, or wanting to share the abundance He’s given us. But Scripture teaches us that the Lord will always provide for our every need, and when we give to the poor, it’s as if we’re giving to God Himself.