Sell Your Possessions And Give To The Poor

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 12:32-34

In Luke 12 Jesus tells the parable of the Rich Fool, the man who hoarded his resources and was not ‘rich toward God’ (Lk 12:21).  Jesus goes on to tell His followers to not worry about their life, what they will eat and drink.  This concern is our natural tendency.  The reason we can not worry is because God has decided to give us the Kingdom and He is happy about that!  Because of all this, what does Jesus tell His disciples to do?  Here it is: “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.”

In this American culture we do not sell our possessions, we accumulate them!  The only time we sell a possession is when we’ve upgraded and want to get rid of the old model.

Sell your stuff and do what with the money?  Give it to the poor.

I have been a faithful giver ever since my first job at 16.  I don’t know, however, that I have a significant out-go that blesses the poor.  If the charitable organizations I give to channel resources to benefit the poor, then maybe I do.  But I don’t know for sure.  This needs to change and fast!  Jesus could not have been more clear about what matters financially in His Kingdom.  I can’t remain unsure whether I’m doing what He said to do or not.  I cannot have a ‘sure hope so’ mindset when it comes to my resources… His resources that I’m stewarding.

Lord Jesus, I want to honor You with my life and through my faithful stewardship.  Direct me to where You want Your resources to help the poor.  And thank You for blessing me with the Kingdom of Heaven!  (Are you kidding me!?)  What riches I have in You!