August 7

Faith by Increase

 

If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it will obey you.  ––Luke 17:6

 

We all love increase, especially when it pertains to our stuff. Things like savings account, influence, salary—increase is great! And God isn’t opposed to us increasing our worldly possessions or assets. After all, it’s the love of money that is the root of all evil—not the money (or stuff) itself (1 Timothy 6:10).

 

I’d like to challenge you, though, to think of increase from God’s perspective. Everything God does is with His Kingdom in mind. That is His realm; it is where He lives and reigns, with Jesus seated at His right hand. And His Kingdom is our domain as well. Simply stated: God wants your heart—surrendered, passionate, loving, committed—more than He wants you to have stuff. If you are a Dad, you get it: giving gifts to your kids is awesome, but connecting with them—laughing, spending time together—is so much better.

 

Kingdom increase has to do with souls—with you, as God’s man, constantly operating with Holy Spirit lenses to recognize and assist those who do not yet know Him. You know why the earthly stuff is important to the Kingdom? It’s because God will often use a person’s felt need so He can meet their real need. Why did Jesus feed the 5,000? By meeting a felt need (a bunch of hungry stomachs), He was able to meet their real need (souls hungry for the Good News of eternal life and salvation).

 

Some of you guys reading this are financially secure and/or wealthy. That’s awesome. But even if you aren’t financially rich, you need to ask, “How can I, as a Kingdom man, use the things the Lord has blessed me with to help those hungry for His Kingdom?” Financial donations are always great, but when we walk out our front door with a willingness to not only invest our treasure, but our time and talents, into the opportunities God presents to us, everyone wins. And that doesn’t take a single red cent.

 

Your earthly assets are all God’s––not just 10%––and He’s given them to you. Sure, you work hard and pay your dues for the “stuff” you have. But don’t let your influence stop at your financial donations. If you are willing to be used as the hands and feet of Jesus, I guarantee you He will give you the ways and means to do so. That’s how God wants to increase your faith, and that’s how you can partner with Him to increase and advance His Kingdom. A huge win-win-win.

 

Father, I’m blown away by the fact that You chose me to partner with You. Thank You!