I really enjoy watching the show secret millionaire. I can't get through an episode with a dry eye. Every time I am still shocked at how many people have never volunteered or given back EVER.
I guess my parents raised me in a home where we learned the Biblical principle that it is better to give than receive. I understand that for some people giving comes more easily for them than others. I am one of those people who truly enjoys giving. Yet whether you naturally enjoy giving or not when you give to help someone else it feels GOOD!
The most recent secret millionaire episode had a daughter who was 19 and her father (40 something?) Neither one of them had ever volunteered EVER in their life. Please if you are someone who has never volunteered for anything... not to sound like Nike or anything but, JUST DO IT! You will be amazed at the results.
Something these people on the show are learning is actually a spiritual principle whether they come to realize it or not.
I am so thankful that I was raised in a home where I was taught about God and how to have a relationship with Jesus. God has proven over and over in my life. That if I put Him first He will provide for my needs. My family has never been rich and in fact has been very poor (for American standards). But God always made sure we had food on the table and a roof over our head.
In Luke 3 John the baptist is preaching to crowds of people who have gathered to hear him and be baptized. Three different groups ask him what they should do to bear the fruit of repentance. John gives three answers.
1. Everyone should share clothes and food with the poor. Vs 11
2. Tax collectors should not pocket extra money. Vs 13
3. Soldiers should be content with their wages and not extort money. Vs 14
Each answer relates to money and possessions. But no one asked John about that! They asked what they should do to demonstrate the fruit of spiritual transformation. What we learn from that is that our approach to money and possessions isn't just important its central to our spiritual lives. It's of such high priority to God that John the Baptist couldn't talk about spirituality without talking about how to handle money and possessions. (Ideas taken from "The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn)
What the 19 year old girl learned is that life isn't just about getting all of the material things you want. The world became a larger place for her and I pray that she will one day see that God created her to Love Him and Love people. I pray that her dad sees that God prospered him not to raise his standard of living, but to raise his standard of giving.
You don't have to be a millionaire to donate your time and money to help people out. When you do this for the Lord you are storing up treasures in Heaven and will be truly blessed.
We can't take any material possessions with us to Heaven. But as we serve God here on earth we are storing up real treasures in Heaven that will not be destroyed by rust or eaten by moths. It will last for eternity.
When we come to the realization that God owns everything and we are to manage His money, everything changes!
