It’s Giving (The Heart of the Matter)

If anyone is willing to be honest with themselves and others, it would be safe to simply say that we have things that matter to us. Much of the time, if we think about it, we realize a good portion of that is tied to finances. This isn’t a bad thing. They should matter, but what elements and to what extent? I think the basics as a believer probably go as follows (in no particular order):

• Responsibility - Care for myself and my household (bills, food, everyday items, utilities, savings for emergencies and retirement, etc).
• Rule - Use the resources from God to advance the Kingdom of God in service to Him and to others (the tithe, money for missions, etc.).
• Reward - To enjoy God's good gifts as a measure of His limitless love and grace (we really don’t thank God enough for the vacation. Can I get an amen somebody?!).

Just these three are able to cover a vast majority of the things we address on a daily basis, financially. And though this could be classified under rule, I feel like we need to separate a certain part to create a new category: Reinvestment. Another way of saying this?...generosity. This is one of the seven core values we have at OV, believing that we are “good stewards and open handed with all God has given.” Where do we get this from? The Bible, where it says in Matt 10:8 “...freely you have received, freely give.” We know that we have truly been given all that we have so it is only fitting that we be give as freely as we have been given. That’s an amazing and crazy amount of generosity and, if I’m shooting straight, Christians today on the whole do a terrible job of being generous. Why is this? Better question is what is this? The answer is simple, and it ain’t pretty but it needs to be said.

It’s an issue of the heart.

Raw honesty would lead many to the conclusion that the issue of the heart we may have is failing to trust God the way that we say we do. No one wants to admit that, and that’s completely understandable. Being human and admitting our faults isn’t easy, but it’s the thing that can liberate us in these moments. We have to take the steps to trust. Doing so means diagnosing the symptom of a lack of trust. This is almost always one thing. In a word, worry.

Breaking Free from Worry

In Matthew 6(:25-34), Jesus is wrapping up a section in the Sermon on the Mount concerning money. What I find so significant is, as He’s finishing, He feels the need to address not just money but fear that manifests in anxiety. Manifests in worry. Worry is a symptom of misplaced trust, or a lack of it altogether. Jesus gently confronts our tendency to be consumed by concerns about daily needs. He points to the birds and the lilies (which I also don’t know how they dress themselves but here we are), as they don’t really make an effort as we do yet they’re  lavishly cared for by the Creator. His assurance is clear: if God provides for the smallest creatures, how much more will He care for us, His children? Anxiety often stems from a lack of faith in God’s provision. God lacks nothing and can provide everything if we would just trust! Trusting God frees us from the burden of worry, allowing us to focus on living a life marked by peace and purpose. Let this truth sink in: God knows your needs and has already made a way to meet them.

We need to believe and know this with our whole heart, because if we’re not careful we can and will take matters into our own hands. Our intentions may be the best, but if left unchecked eventually doing so leads to idolatry. We intend to take care of our family, to get out of debt, and accomplish financial goals, but out of His hands money can, and will, become a master. Our master.

Choosing the Right Master

We cannot serve two masters. Jesus draws a stark line between serving God and being enslaved by money. It seems insane that Jesus would even put money on the same level as the Father Himself, but when I look around in society today I realize a need to yield my stance. The situation is giving lyrics from the old Wu Tang song C.R.E.A.M. (Cash rules everything around me…most of you know the rest. I’ll stop there.) The pull of wealth can be deceptive; it starts as a tool to provide but can easily become an idol that consumes our focus and energy. Loving money leads to darkness. I personally believe it carries the same weight of those dealing with addiction. Being enslaved to drugs or anything makes people crave and do almost anything to get something they want…even at the expense of lying to, deceiving, and hurting others. But loving God brings light and freedom. By seeking first His Kingdom, we anchor ourselves in a love that liberates rather than enslaves. This shift in allegiance requires faith, but it brings unparalleled joy and clarity. Ask yourself: is your heart serving money or submitting to God’s generous grace?

Investing in Eternity

The concept of stewardship reminds us that everything we have is on loan or on lease from God. At the very best, He’s entrusted certain things into our care. Our role is to manage these resources with wisdom, generosity, and a Kingdom mindset. Jesus calls us to invest not in the temporal but in the eternal. Each act of generosity, each selfless choice, contributes to a heavenly portfolio. While the world tempts us to hoard for personal security (this might be my very gentle shot at billionaires), Jesus invites us to give freely, trusting that God’s provision will never run dry. The ultimate question is not about what we own but what we’re doing with what has been entrusted to us.

In the end, the heart of the matter is trust. The testing is in the trusting. How much do you really trust Him? This is something I know we must ask ourselves every day. Trust in God’s provision, His goodness, and His eternal plan. As we shift our focus from temporary gains to eternal rewards, we find the peace and purpose that only come from seeking His Kingdom above all else.

Where Is Your Treasure?

In a world filled with fleeting possessions, Jesus reminds us of an eternal truth: the things we value reflect the condition of our hearts. Earthly treasures—money, status, and material comforts—are vulnerable to decay and theft. Yet, treasures stored in heaven are imperishable, safe from harm, and of eternal value. When our hearts cling to temporary wealth, we risk neglecting the eternal rewards God offers. The key question is, where is your heart invested? Are you chasing short-term gains or sowing seeds that yield everlasting returns? This reflection challenges us to examine our priorities and realign them with a Kingdom perspective.

— Jordan Brown

Pastor (Ministries and Outreach) [OV] Church