The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
— 2 Corinthians 9:6–8
As Christ-followers, we have been gifted with the matchless love, grace, and mercy of God. When we give out of a desire for the expansion of God’s kingdom among men and nothing else, not only do we create an avenue for the Holy Spirit to operate in the life of others here on earth, but we lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven. As pastor Randy Wade pointed out last Sunday, “There is more to this life than this life.”
Salvation is by grace, through faith alone — a gift given, not an item obtained through dollars and deeds. There is an eternal reward of far greater value than silver and gold. For the believer whose faithfulness is motivated by an internal compulsion to change the world for the glory of God, who identifies with the broken, battered and bruised and has no other agenda but to make a difference, an unfading crown of glory awaits you, and so very much more (1 Peter 5:4).