http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2012:41-44&version=NIV1984
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Cor%209:6-8&version=NIV1984
After taking care of their families, the couple gave a sizeable amount of their winnings to the hospital in Truro as well as one in Halifax. They also gave money to their local fire department, various churches and cemeteries, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. When it was all done, the Larges had given away every single penny of their $11,255,272 jackpot. “We were pretty well set, not millionaires, but comfortable,” said Allen of the couple's financial condition before wining the lottery. Shortly after they won they became afraid of being taken advantage of by ‘crooked people’. The money soon became a big headache for them so instead of spending it they decided to give it away. “That money that we won was nothing”, said Allen. “We have each other.” Violet agreed. “What you’ve never had, you never miss”, she said.
Wow. What a shining example. You can read hundreds of stories of people who won the lottery and almost every one of them wasted it. And it usually ends up causing them more harm than good. In discussing the Large’s generosity at our Bible Study someone mentioned that their advanced age played a big factor in their decision to give their winnings away. That may have been part of it. But I think we all know of many other senior citizens who would have spent most of it on themselves. And foolishly at that. No, it seems that the Larges were pretty well grounded. The money was nice but it wasn’t going to change them. In the end, they distributed their good fortune with many charities who could use the money. What the Larges did was actually follow the advice of Jesus.
In Acts 20:35 the Apostle Paul quotes Jesus as saying , “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Now without a doubt most people in our world like being on the receiving end of things. Receiving a bonus. A raise. An inheritance. Gifts. Acts of service. But Jesus turns this completely around. He says that it better to give than to receive. Talk about radical. And yet for those of us who have given to others, we know that this is true. Which one of us hasn’t been excited to buy a special gift for our spouse? Or children or grandchildren? To perform some act of service for a family member? A friend? Someone in need? Yes, there is something about giving that is its own reward. Seeing the smile on another person’s face. Knowing that they really appreciate what we did or gave. Knowing that we made a difference in someone else’s life.
So, have you ever thought about what you would do if you ever came into a large sum of money? Most likely you have given it at least some thought. Would you spend it all on yourself? Or give some to others? Would you spend it all? Or put some away in the bank for a rainy day? How much of it would go toward advancing the Kingdom of God? These are all good questions, the answers to which will determine whether we ultimately waste our money. Or use it wisely. The fact is that it was God who made it possible for us to receive the money in the first place. So the first question we ought to ask is, “What do you want me to do with it Lord?”
I don’t know if we will ever come into a large amount of money or not. Statistically the odds are against us. Some days I think that I would love to be in that position. There are so many Christian ministries that could use the money and I would love to be able to contribute to them in a significant way. Other days I think that it might turn out to be nothing more than a headache. So I guess I’ll leave this up to God.
But even if we never come into a large amount of money during our lifetime we still have the responsibility to handle what money we do have well. It still comes from God. And ultimately it all belongs to Him. All we are is His manager. So let’s put God first in our finances. If we can do this, He will usually be first in the rest of our lives as well.
Lord, I thank you for the money that I have. Money to live on. To take care of my needs and the needs of my family. I realize that it all comes from You. And that I am simply Your manager. Direct me how to spend Your money. So that I will spend it wisely. May it be a blessing to me. And to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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