Giving

POVERTY
In a sense we are all hungry and in need, but most of us don't recognize it. With plenty to eat in the deep freeze, with a roof over our heads and a car in the garage, we assume that the empty feeling inside must be just a case of the blues that can be cured by a weekend in the country or an extra martini at lunch or the purchase of a color tv.
The poor, on the other hand, are under no such delusion. When Jesus says, "Come unto me all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28), the poor stand a better chance than most of knowing what he's talking about and knowing that he's talking to them. In desperation they may even be willing to consider the possibility of accepting his offer. This is perhaps why Jesus on several occasions called them peculiarly blessed.

Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking


There are many roadblocks to giving: unbelief, insecurity, pride, idolatry, desire for power and control. The raging current of our culture — and often our churches — makes it hard to swim upstream. It's considered "normal" to keep far more than we give.
But I'm convinced that the greatest deterrent to giving is this: the illusion that earth is our home...
The Bible says we're pilgrims, strangers, aliens on earth (Hebrews 11:13). We're ambassadors representing our true country (2 Cor 5:20). "Our citizenship is in heaven" (Phil 3:20). We're citizens of "a better country — a heavenly one" (Heb 11:16). Where we choose to store our treasures depends largely on where we think our home is.

Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle