Andy Stanley concludes Chapter 16 of Enemies of the Heart as he observes that we conquer greed with generosity. When you give generously, that breaks the grip of greed on your life. And, Pastor Stanley exhorts, give generously, whether or not you think you have extra. Also, the author adds, you must give to the point that it forces you to make adjustments to your lifestyle.
Because, Andy stresses, greed isn’t a feeling. Rather, it’s a refusal to act. Thus, it’s possible to show compassion toward needy people and yet act as avariciously as Scrooge. Andy explains:
“Generous feeling and good intentions don’t compensate for a greedy heart; in fact, good intentions and greed can cohabit in your heart indefinitely. This is what makes this covert enemy such a threat to the heart. You may never feel it the way you do anger or guilt or even jealousy. But, it’s there. It’s dangerous. And it can lead to total loss.”
Most noteworthy, Andy encourages, don’t wait to start giving (a) until your fear of giving goes away or (b) God changes your heart. As a result, Pastor Stanley advises, “give until you get cheerful.”
In conclusion, Andy notes, it’s not a bad thing to possess money. However, problems result when you don’t know why you have money. Since we leave everything behind when we die, it’s quite clear that we’re managers, not owners. And when you live out this manager status, you experience a freedom owners never come to know. As Pastor Stanley explains, “You’ll be free from the fear of loss in this life — and more concerned with avoiding real loss in the life to come.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you remember that you’re the manager of Someone Else’s assets, not the owner? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the latest Short Meditation, “Mechanic Bob vs. ‘Mr. Dirt’ “
