Legacy Giving
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
Matthew 29:21 (NIV)
I was recently speaking at a camp and saw a monument of some key givers that made this camp a reality. That weekend, I spoke to over a hundred kids who said yes to Jesus, and what struck me was how many kids in the space had said yes to Jesus over the years. It is a thin place where heaven and earth meet, where God’s presence shows up uniquely. That camp was a thin place that weekend. It was a place where God moved in a mighty way. Most people give the camp directors, the speaker, or the band most of the credit for how God moved, but this thought struck me all weekend: this wouldn’t have been possible without legacy givers. Most givers have already passed on and are with Jesus, but their investment still lives on. I could only use my gift because they first gave of their gifts.
While the passage above is directed to the rich young ruler and speaks about his love for money, Jesus' principle is for everyone. Your resources have a chance to outlive you. We talk a lot about depreciating assets in our culture, and the best investment, Jesus says, is in the church and His kingdom. The people who gave still impact people’s lives because of their generosity. The church will outlive every one of us.
Jesus says He will build His church, and the gates of hell won’t stand. Any church that’s Jesus’ church will live on, long after a building fades. The lives touched, the people served, and the freedom found all come from Jesus, but it’s possible because people decided to be legacy givers. People invested in something that would outlast them and impact future generations. Trying to get the best bang for your buck is not selfish. Jesus wants you to steward your resources well, but Jesus is clear that people need to stop thinking shortsightedly and think of eternal investments. He reminds us there is a better way to give. He invites us to be legacy givers.
APPLICATION: You can’t outgive a generous God. Store up your treasures in heaven.
PRAYER: Spend some time thanking God for the people who have given sacrificially to the church, where you accepted Christ. Thank Him for the legacy givers who’ve marked your life. Ask Him to help you see generosity as a way to impact the world for Christ.
“… 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?