Holding Wealth with Open Hands

Investing in Eternity

Stewards, Not Owners

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, 

and He will reward them for what they have done.

Proverbs 19:17

Jesus’ teaching repeatedly challenged His hearers to see wealth not as a possession to guard, but as a trust to steward. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21). The measure of a godly life is not how much we have, but how much we love—and how that love moves us toward generosity.

John Calvin observed, “We are stewards of those things which God has conferred upon us, and must one day render an account of our stewardship.” This means wealth—whether great or small—is a sacred trust. The question is not, Do I have much or little? but Am I using what I have for God’s purposes?

Tim Keller put it simply: “If your identity is in the money you have, you will always feel pressure to protect it. But if your identity is in Christ, you will be free to give it away.” Wealth can become either a chain or a channel. When it is held tightly, it breeds fear, pride, and self-sufficiency. When held loosely, it becomes a means for blessing, mercy, and Kingdom work.

John Wesley famously counseled believers to “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” His life modeled this principle—living simply so that more could be shared with those in need. He understood that kindness to the poor is kindness to God Himself, as Jesus affirmed: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

The reward God promises in Proverbs 19:17 is not merely material—it is the deep joy of knowing that our resources, surrendered to Christ, are being multiplied for eternal purposes.

Prayer

Lord, help me to see everything I have as Yours. Keep me from clinging to possessions, and free me to be generous toward others—especially the poor. Teach me to hold wealth loosely, to give joyfully, and to treasure heavenly rewards over earthly ones. Amen.