Never a Fool

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased (Hebrews 13:16)

Jim Elliot knew that one calling of his life was to reach remote people to tell them about the love of Jesus Christ. His story has been told many times and he famously said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

Ultimately, Jim and some friends gave their lives while seeking to share the love of Jesus with a remote village in Ecuador. Years later Jim’s wife, Elisabeth, returned to those same people with a message of forgiveness and that village was forever changed.

Jim was convinced his life belonged to Jesus, so he was not fearful of losing it.

Do you hold back on using your money for greater purposes because you fear that you may lose it, or that you will suffer because you do not have it?  

Who owns “your” money anyway?   

The wrong voices may tell you, “I earned the bonus, so I am going to splurge.” Or “I worked hard so I deserve a new car.” The wrong voices will tell you that you own it, but in reality everything belongs to Jesus.

Maybe Jesus does want you to splurge a bit with your bonus to do something nice with your family. Perhaps a new vehicle will help you spend more time on things that really matter, and less time in the repair shop. 

But do not be deceived into thinking you earned money without Him, or that you need not ask Him how to spend it. Jesus blesses you because He loves you. He wants you to enjoy what He has given, but we must remember Who the money belongs to in the first place. 

What if you pay the car repair bill for a faithful friend having financial troubles before you reward yourself with a new vehicle? Maybe you could joyfully double or triple the amount that you typically give to your church or local nonprofits before taking the family vacation you have dreamed about. Or maybe God is leading you to do something really crazy and give it all away.  

Albert Schweitzer once said, “If you own something you cannot give away, then you don't own it. It owns you.” You are never a fool for giving away something you cannot keep in exchange for something you cannot lose. 

Lord Jesus, forgive me for holding tight to the things of this world. They are all Yours and I commit them to You and to Your kingdom.