Our Ultimate Treasure: Intentional Giving

Every day, we make decisions about money—but not every decision is made on purpose. When it comes to generosity, many of us wrestle with familiar questions: Where should I give? How much is enough? Does my giving really make a difference? But Scripture invites us to see generosity differently—not as a financial habit, but as an act of discipleship. Intentional giving connects our everyday resources to God’s redemptive work in the world. From Overwhelmed to On Mission We’re surrounded by needs. Local churches, global missions, ministries serving the poor, organizations strengthening families and sharing the gospel—the opportunities are endless. And because of that, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or default to reactive giving when something tugs at our hearts. But God’s Word points us to something deeper. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Generosity isn’t random. It’s part of the purpose God has written into your life. You’re not just managing money—you’re participating in His mission. Generosity That Lasts Intentional giving begins when we realize that our work and income aren’t just about survival or success. They’re about joining God in meeting needs and restoring lives. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:18–19 that we are “to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share… thus storing up treasure… so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” Every intentional gift becomes an investment in eternity. It’s a present-tense glimpse of God’s Kingdom breaking into this world. Where Do We Start? Practicing intentional giving doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does require clarity and purpose. 1. Start with your local church. God designed the church to equip believers, reach communities, and advance the gospel. Supporting it isn’t just tradition—it’s participation in His ongoing work. 2. Care for the vulnerable. Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord.” Whether through local outreach, relief efforts, or helping a neighbor, these acts reflect God’s compassion in tangible ways. 3. Invest in the spread of the gospel. Romans 10:15 reminds us, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” Every gift that helps someone hear about Christ carries eternal significance. When we give this way, our finances begin to tell a story—about what we love, what we value, and whom we trust. Grace, Not Guilt Here’s what makes intentional giving so powerful: it flows from grace, not guilt. 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart… for God loves a cheerful giver.” We don’t give to earn God’s favor—we give because we’ve already received it. Jesus Himself modeled this. Though He was rich, He became poor so that we might share in His riches (2 Corinthians 8:9). That’s the foundation of all generosity: the gospel. When grace takes root, open hands follow. A Different Way to See Money Intentional giving asks a different set of questions: Where is God inviting me to participate? Who has He placed in my path? What opportunities has He prepared for me? You’ve been uniquely positioned—with your experiences, relationships, and resources—to make a difference in ways no one else can. And when generosity becomes intentional, it reshapes how you see money. It’s no longer just income or savings—it becomes a tool for Kingdom impact. Because giving doesn’t just change someone else’s life—it changes yours. It loosens your grip on money, deepens your trust in God, and aligns your heart with His purposes. Because when generosity becomes intentional, it becomes transformational. Take the Next Step If you want to grow in this mindset—seeing every dollar as an opportunity to participate in God’s work—I’d encourage you to go deeper. In Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Devotional to Faithful Stewardship, we explore how generosity fits into God’s bigger story and how your finances can reflect His grace and purpose. You can purchase your copy—or place a bulk order for your church or small group—at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m retiring soon and selling my home, with about $250,000 in proceeds. My advisor suggests a 10-year annuity, but I’m concerned about locking up the money. Is this a wise move? Do I have to pay federal taxes on interest earned from a high-yield savings account? I know I can still contribute to last year’s retirement account, but can I do a Roth conversion now and have it count for 2025? As a widow, can I still use my late husband’s capital gains exclusion when selling our home? And would buying another home or leaving it to my children affect the taxes? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.