The film Millions tells the engaging story of two brothers who find a bag full of money with no apparent owner. The younger boy wants to use it to help the poor, while the older sibling sees it as his ticket to popularity and the good life. What unfolds is a story that vividly contrasts the freedom of a generous spirit with the frustration of a grasping hand.

In a sermon based on Genesis 3 my pastor said, “Our hands have been clenched from the fall.” Jesus’ teachings about faith and generosity seem deliberately intended to pry them open. He said, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:32-34).

The words of our Lord may sound so radical that we find it difficult to figure out how to put them into practise. But if we honestly seek to obey Him, He will guide our steps and guard our hearts from worry.

I suspect that the generous boy in that film had open hands long before millions fell into them.

Author

David C. McCasland

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Our Daily Bread