Whether we have it or we don’t, money can feel like a very awkward subject. It’s not considered polite conversation. But 16 of Jesus’ 38 parables deal with money and possessions. God isn’t afraid to talk about it, and when we look into it, neither are His people. After raising the money to build the temple, David prayed this prayer: ‘Both riches and honour come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You’ (vv. 12-14 NKJV). Not only was David unafraid to publicly acknowledge that the people of Israel had given their riches to God, he reminds us that all of our money and possessions come from God in the first place. Once we acknowledge that, it can feel easier to have the necessary conversations about money. We’re no longer talking about something that is ours, or that is even any reflection of us. We’re talking about something that belongs to God, and is simply ours to steward. Those conversations may just break some of the taboos surrounding money, and we might in turn find it easier to be generous with what God has temporarily given to us.

What Now?

Some of us find ourselves with plenty, and some of us find ourselves with not quite enough. Wherever you are at with money at the moment, pray over it today and put some aside to give away – even if it’s a few pence. God delights when we share out His resources.