Prepare the Way for the One
Why Generosity and Evangelism Go Hand in Hand
Have you ever wondered why churches talk about money and reaching the lost in the same conversation? It might seem like these two topics have nothing to do with each other, but Scripture reveals a surprising connection that we can't ignore.
What Does the Bible Say About Money and Evangelism?
In Luke chapter 3, we encounter John the Baptist, the very first gospel preacher in the New Testament. His story teaches us something profound: generosity paves the way for the One. When we examine how we handle our money and possessions, we're actually examining our readiness to reach the lost.
God Uses Surrendered People, Not Just Powerful People
Luke begins his account by listing all the powerful leaders of the day - Caesar, governors, tetrarchs, and high priests. These were people with power, position, and possessions. But notice where God's word went: "The word of God came to John, the son of Zechariah, in the wilderness."
God bypassed all the powerful people and chose a random guy in the wilderness. Why? Because God is more interested in working through surrendered people than powerful people. The others had more to give, but John was willing to give more.
What Does True Repentance Look Like?
When crowds came to John asking what repentance should look like in their lives, his answer was surprising. He didn't tell them to pray more, read Scripture more, or attend church more. Instead, he immediately addressed their money and possessions.
John's Three-Part Answer
To the general crowd, John said: "Whoever has two tunics, share with him who has none. Whoever has food is to do likewise."
To the tax collectors: "Collect no more money than you are authorized to collect."
To the soldiers: "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusations, and be content with your wages."
In every instance, John pointed to how they handled money and possessions. For John the Baptist, generosity is the visible fruit of repentance.
Why Does Repentance Change How We Handle Money?
Repentance isn't just a vertical relationship between you and God. It's also horizontal - it changes how we act toward the world around us. When God changes the heart, it changes how we handle money and possessions.
This means repentance isn't just something you do to get something from God. It's a way for God to use you for the benefit of others. True repentance leads to caring for those in need and being generous with what we have.
How Can I Examine My Own Heart?
Here are three important questions to ask yourself:
Am I Generous With My Possessions?
Do you give with joy or grip tightly in fear? Do you operate from a place of helping others joyfully, or do you hold onto your possessions out of fear that you might need them later?
Do I Care About Those in Need?
Generosity opens your heart to other people's needs, not just your own. Do you enjoy helping others, especially when you get nothing back in return? Or do you only give when you expect recognition, thanks, or something in return?
Do I Give to the Lord?
Many people are willing to give toward physical needs - building projects, food, wells - but what about spiritual needs? Do you get as much joy from giving toward sharing the gospel and watching hearts change? Both are important, but spiritual transformation lasts for eternity.
What Does This Mean for Reaching the Lost?
Sometimes our own hearts get in the way of both generosity and evangelism. When repentance leads to the fruit of generosity, we're able to do both well. We can't change hearts, but we can clear the road by surrendering our hearts. We can pave the way through generosity by removing obstacles and making room for our friends and neighbors to find Jesus.
Everyone Can Be Used by God
You don't have to be rich, powerful, or perfect to be used by God. All you need is a willingness to say, "Lord, whatever I have, I surrender to your name and your causes." God uses hearts that are surrendered to Him to change the world.
Life Application
This week, step into discomfort by examining your heart's relationship with money and possessions. Discomfort is often what changes our lives and paves the way for others to meet Jesus. Consider how your generosity - or lack thereof - might be affecting your ability to reach the lost.
Remember: your giving doesn't save you. Only Jesus saves you through repentance and baptism. But giving is what happens when you realize you're saved. It's the fruit of repentance that flows from a transformed heart.
Questions to ask yourself:
Is generosity a visible fruit of repentance in my life?
What fears about money might be keeping me from both generous giving and bold evangelism?
How might God want to use my surrendered heart and resources to pave the way for someone else to meet Jesus?
Am I more concerned with my own comfort and security, or with clearing obstacles for others to encounter Christ?
