I was listening to a Tim Keller’s sermon: Treasure vs. Money yesterday and he raised some great points about money and how Christians should view money. I was totally convicted by God’s Word and feel that God is calling me to a higher level of generosity that involves true sacrifice.

One insightful point Keller makes is the fact that the sin of greed is much more indefinite than other sins. For example, in the sin of adultery, it is obvious whether or not you are sleeping with a person that is not your wife or husband. No one ever says, “Wait a minute… you’re not my wife.” But with sin of greed, we can be easily fooled that it is an issue that only other people struggle with. “Everybody is absolutely sure that it is not true of them.” Keller reasons that this is exactly why Jesus tells us to watch out and be on guard because greed can slowly sneak up on us. Greed and materialism can be hiding in our hearts, affecting our thoughts and actions, and we might be totally unaware. Accountability with like-minded believers can be a huge help here.

Keller also mentions how we cling to money because it offers us a sense of significance or a sense of security. Some find significance or status in the things that they own, or the purchasing power that they may have. Still others find a false sense of comfort and security in the money that they have saved up. Yet, as the Bible teaches, none of us know what tomorrow will bring, and no amount of money can guarantee refuge from a disaster.

“How do we get to the place where we are not worrying about money, or not being consumed by thoughts of money?” Matthew 6:21 clues us into the answer, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” For the follower of Christ, it is clear that the only thing that can be our master, which will not enslave us, is to have Christ as our master. Only as we place supreme value in Jesus does the worry and concern over money die out.

What is the test that proves that we have placed value on spiritual wealth over worldly wealth? Keller explains that the way you view rich people can be an indicator. “Do we resent them for what they own and feel superior to them? If you dislike rich people and feel superior, it shows that money still has power over you and that you lack spiritual wealth. And it also shows a lack of humility. And if you envy rich people, it also shows that money still has power over you.” Keller teaches that the best way that we can know that money has no power is when we can love rich people for who they are. In the same way this principle applies to how we view poor people. If we respect them instead of looking down at them we can know that money has no hold on us.

“The third test that money really has no power over us is this: you get really generous.” Jesus commands us to take up our cross and follow Him. The element of sacrifice should come into play in all aspects of our lives. Keller makes the point that if we desire to respond to Jesus to this degree of obedience, we should be giving away enough money that it sacrifices our current lifestyle.

God’s Word is convicting and demands obedience. These convictions lead to application and principles with which we live out our lives. As I pray for discernment, I’m looking for ways that I can grow in my generosity. For me the conviction I learned yesterday from this sermon was that obedience to Christ involves sacrifice in all areas of our lives. This includes the area of tithing and generosity. I give 10% (pre-tax) and I also support a some missionaries and organizations. But frankly, I’m at an income level where I could probably be giving away much more of my money. Sure, I have a wedding to pay for and student loans to pay off, but even with those things, if I am to take Jesus at His word I ought to push myself until I feel the strain. How can I call it sacrifice it I don’t feel the heat? Jesus never taught us that this life of obedience was going to be easy. In fact he likens it to taking up the cross each and every day. I know that a lot of people debate whether the tithe is required or not, but honestly, most Americans make so much money that the point is moot.

As Keller exhorts, “the ten percent tithe really shouldn’t be our goal, but it should be the cross that serves as our standard.” I agree. What would my giving have to look like for it to feel like true sacrifice? At least for me this would probably begin with raising my level of giving from where it currently stands.

For Christians, these are tempting times we live in. Fortunately, God’s Word steers us and guides our path in each of our decisions.