JUST DO IT
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Matthew 6:19-20 (NIV)
Arguably, one of the most recognizable logos in the world today is the Nike Swoosh logo. It was introduced about 50 years ago when a graphic design student was approached about creating a logo. Wait for it… the price they paid for the logo was $35. In 2020, the company was reported as having 37.4 billion dollars in revenue. Talk about a return on investment! I share this because it seems like the world’s motto is Just Do It, but we’ve created a motto in Christianity where we say, Don’t Do It. I think the intentions are good, but most people don’t want a relationship where the goal is not to do certain things. We have created a subculture where we talk more about what not to do with money than what to do with it.
The main point of the verse above is encouraging us to just do it when it comes to our resources. The main point isn’t just a defensive posture telling you to stay away from the resources and stuff of this world. It tells you to invest in the better thing. Stewardship is about living as though you believe everything you have is God’s, and you are entrusted to it for a season. If I watch someone’s house, I live in it for a short season, but then it goes back to them. Most of us are prone to live as though we hold onto our stuff forever. You don’t. Matthew is saying, living with eternity in mind. Sure, buy things on this earth, but store and treasure things that last for eternity. We think a Nike logo was one of the greatest returns on investments ever. The Bible says it doesn’t compare to those who invest in eternity. Biblical generosity always lives with eternity in mind. In the same way you plan a financial future, have you ever slowed down and asked God how are You calling me to be generous with my resources? It’s the best financial investment you can make.
APPLICATION:
Take a step in living out generosity today by giving.
PRAYER:
Ask God to help you be generous like He is generous. Ask the Spirit to show you where you’re storing up treasures. Ask what He is calling you to give today and take the step. Don’t put off tomorrow what God has told you in the Spirit today.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?