Money

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is 2 Corinthians 9:11, which says, "You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." In July, my husband will start making a lot more money than he makes now. We are often uncomfortable when people bring it up. In fact, I'm uncomfortable with the subject altogether. Of course then God would inspire me to write about it. Harrumph!
Don't get me wrong. I'm proud of my husband's hard work, and he will deserve every penny he earns. He also comes from a very generous family. They are always ready to give. This increase of earnings is not at all going to a greedy man. I believe this aspect of our life reflects that of the parable of the talents. Usually this parable is taught in reference to the abilities or possessions God has given each of us. We are to be good stewards of all we have. I believe if we use the little money we have wisely, God will trust us to spend the greater amount wisely.

Lately I've been watching a lot of  a BBC show called Robin Hood. If you want to feel uncomfortable about future income, just watch that show. I feel guilty for the money we'll receive later. Maybe it's because I never grew up with that much money, and my comfort zone is threatened. Maybe I'm afraid a higher income will effect our relationships, that we'll be judged and things will be assumed about us. I've told Jon a time or two that I'd prefer if God had called him to be ___________ (insert career that pays less than a physician). This is not boasting. This is what's on my heart. I can't even say that we'll be wealthy without cringing. I know in my heart that it's not money that's the root of evil but the love of it; however, money can corrupt. I'm afraid to be corrupted. You all know I love clothes, shoes, etc. Will money increase my vanity? Will I become a snob--a person I hate?
The verse above reminds me that I have a choice. Having a large income is not sin. It is an opportunity. This Christmas season, I can give what I can with a cheerful heart. Next Christmas, I can do the same. It's not the amount of money that matters. It's the heart. Do I have a cheerful heart? Am I being generous? Am I content? These are important questions to ask myself whether I have 5 dollars or 500. These questions apply to the poor and the rich. The Bible has instructions for giving: give with a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7), don't make a public display of it (Matthew 6:1-4), and so on. These rules don't apply to the wealthy. They apply to everyone.
God has made me generous with little. I must trust God to make me generous with plenty.