Introduction
Praise the Lord, Everyone!
In today’s world, many young people strive to live righteous lives. They steer clear of harmful behaviors like substance abuse, dishonesty, and other sinful acts, as they strive to follow God’s path as laid out in the Bible. Yet, despite their good intentions, they often find themselves struggling, feeling as if they are trapped at a certain level in life.
So why do these struggles persist?
Why Many Youth Feel Stuck
The Struggle of Young Christians
Often, young Christians wonder why, despite avoiding major sins and leading disciplined lives, they do not experience certain blessings. They feel as though they’re constantly pushing against obstacles, unable to progress, even while living according to biblical principles.
This sentiment resonates with the story of the rich young man who approached Jesus in Matthew 19:16. In the scripture, the young man, earnest and eager to know how to achieve eternal life, is instructed by Jesus to avoid adultery, murder, lying, and other sins, and to honor his parents.
A Good Life Is Not Enough
Like many young people today, this young man was living a good life by societal standards. He wasn’t indulging in sin; instead, he was seeking a deeper understanding and a more meaningful existence. Despite this, he sensed that something was missing.
Jesus responded by telling him to give away his wealth and follow Him. Faced with this challenge, the young man hesitated—exposing the attachment he held to his material possessions.
The Temptation of Wealth and Comfort
Materialism and Spiritual Stagnation
Today’s youth, much like the rich young man, often find themselves attached to their material wealth. As they begin earning, they start making plans—buying homes, vehicles, clothing, or indulging in luxuries. Many spend their income on fulfilling personal desires, perhaps waiting for a “better time” to contribute to God’s work.
But Jesus’ response to the young man reminds us that true blessings are not found in personal gains or material comforts.
Are You Willing to Give to God?
God invites us to consider what we are willing to give, especially in our youth, when worldly ambitions and aspirations are high. The true difference between those who achieve spiritual greatness and those who are left wanting is this willingness to sacrifice and invest in God’s kingdom.
A Call for Generosity Among Youth
Reevaluating Financial Priorities
For young people today, there is an invitation to approach finances and possessions with an open heart. God asks us to reconsider the purpose of our earnings. Just as the rich young man’s attachment to wealth prevented him from achieving true fulfillment, a similar attachment can keep today’s youth from experiencing spiritual growth and blessings.
The Blessings of Giving
Those who generously give towards God’s work and support the church’s mission find their lives transformed in unexpected ways.
Young people can support their pastors and churches, contribute to those spreading God’s word, or help ministries providing critical services, such as food supplies or medical assistance.
Unfortunately, a prevailing misconception suggests that financial contributions to the church may be misused. This belief, however, may be a tactic to dissuade believers from fully embracing generosity and could prevent them from receiving the blessings that come from giving with a sincere heart.
A Testimony of Faith and Giving
Experiencing God’s Abundance
The speaker shares a personal example of this commitment to generosity. In his professional role as a Facebook executive, he has invested much of his income into supporting his church and pastor, sowing financially into the work of God.
Despite giving away significant portions of his earnings, he testifies that he has received blessings a hundredfold in return. Through his generosity, he has experienced God’s abundance, finding that the more he gives, the more God returns to him.
Faith and Financial Stewardship
This personal account emphasizes that true spiritual growth requires both faith and financial stewardship. By investing in God’s work, the speaker experiences not just material blessings, but also spiritual enrichment, witnessing the transformative impact his contributions have on his community.
The Power of Sacrifice in Youth
Placing God’s Kingdom First
The speaker calls upon young Christians to rethink their financial priorities. He encourages them to set aside desires for the latest gadgets, clothing, and other personal indulgences, and to focus instead on supporting the work of God.
By placing the kingdom of God before personal luxuries, they unlock a path to blessings and fulfillment far beyond what material possessions can offer.
God Seeks an Open Heart
As the Bible promises, when we seek first God’s kingdom, all other things are added to us.
God doesn’t need money; He seeks the open heart behind the gift. The true purpose of financial stewardship is not to deprive but to demonstrate commitment, trust, and faith in God’s ability to provide abundantly for those who place Him first.
This message invites young Christians to embrace generosity, not just with their time and prayers, but also with their finances, using their resources to support the mission of God.
Conclusion
The Connection Between Generosity and Spiritual Fulfillment
Young Christians must recognize that spiritual fulfillment is closely tied to generosity. By giving freely, they invite God’s blessings into their lives and contribute to the growth of His kingdom.
God Honors a Cheerful Giver
God honors a cheerful giver, and those who sow into His work will reap a harvest beyond what they can imagine.
May God bless you all.
Thank you for reading!