Gratitude Series — Session 3: Treasure
This is our last blog in the Gratitude Series! Can you believe it??
Remember, this is not just about pretty pictures and words, this is about a perspective shift, and axis tilt, a new way of viewing the Lord’s call on our lives and who we are in light of that call.
We are calling you to change the way that you understand gratitude. We want you to not only steward the things God has given to us with excellence, but to do so with thankfulness in our hearts.
The Treasure Principle
This week we are talking about using our Treasure for the kingdom and understanding the role of gratitude when it comes to our treasure.
I want to introduce you to something called the “Treasure Principle.”
“The Treasure Principle” is a concept coined by Randy Alcorn. He wrote a powerful little book about this that takes 30 minutes to read, but it all comes down to Jesus’ words:
“For where your treasure is, your heart will be also.”
Think about that for a minute.
Where. Your. Treasure. Is…
Where is your treasure?
Your. Heart. Will. Be. Also…
What does your treasure, or the way you use your treasure, say about your heart? What does is say about your priorities? What does it say about how you view God as the provider and sustainer of all things?
Hard Questions Are Good
“But, Leslie! These are hard questions!!”
I would respond with, “Good!!!” I want to ask hard questions. I want you to be put in a place where you can grow and evaluate the way you live your life. It is good for you.
But more than that, Jesus asks hard questions. He asks us to do hard things, such as examining where we spend our money, our time, our resources.
Jesus knows that its not in the collection of things that one finds security. It's in the confidence that our Lord cares about the little birds and the growth of a blade of grass, then we know he cares for us even more. If the needs of a flower in a field do not escape his notice, then why do you believe the lie that you do?
Beloved, you do not ever escape his notice, fall off his radar, or get lost in the shuffle. You are much too precious to him for such a thing.
Melody Beattie said,
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.”
A Challenge for the Week
I want to challenge you to take inventory of all God has given to you. Not just material possessions or the way that others would measure wealth, but the true blessings God has lavished upon you.