A Faith That Works When Life Doesn’t: Part 5Sample

What Happens When You Learn to Be Generous?

Imagine if a father took his son to McDonald’s and bought him a large order of french fries. And, as they were driving home, the father reached over to take just one french fry, but his son pushed his hand away and said, “Dad, you can't have one. These are my fries!”

As they continued to drive along, the man thought, “Wow. First of all, my child has forgotten that I am the source of all he has. I brought him to McDonald’s, ordered the fries, paid for them, and gave the fries to him. The only reason he has fries is because of me!

“And my child doesn't realize I could take those fries away if I wanted to. I could just grab the whole box and eat them myself. Or I could buy my son a truckload of french fries!

“What’s more, I don’t need his fries. If I wanted some, I could have gotten my own. But I want him to learn to be unselfish.”

When it comes to God and your finances, do you ever find yourself being like the boy with his french fries? When you feel God prompting you to use your money in a certain way, do you sometimes push him away and keep your money for yourself?

In the story, the dad wanted his son to understand three lessons that God wants you to learn about money. First, he wants you to know it’s not your money. You don't really own anything; everything you think you own is on loan from God. Next, God could take your money away in an instant, or he could double it or triple it. And, lastly, what he wants most of all is for you to learn to not be selfish and be generous like him.

What happens when you learn to be more generous with your money? You become less selfish—more like God—and you will be given even more because he knows he can trust you to be generous with it. 

“When the LORD blesses you with riches, you have nothing to regret” (Proverbs 10:22 CEV).

Learning to trust God with your money is a lifelong process. Start making choices today that will move you toward the goal of becoming more like him.

You won’t regret it!

Talk It Over

• Have you ever regretted giving generously to God?


• What is one thing you can do today to be obedient to God with your money?


• Do you believe God wants to bless you with more money? Why or why not?

This devotional © 2021 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.