Give It All Away?

One of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible is Jesus telling the rich young ruler, “Go, sell what you have and give to the poor” (Matthew 19:21). Religious folks quote that while criticizing megachurches and so-called prosperity preachers. Others may try using the verse to manipulate people into giving them things. Last Sunday while evangelizing in Austin, Texas, a homeless man who professed to be a Christian quoted that Scripture in hopes of getting money from me. I offered him something to eat, but he told me to keep walking. 

Jesus didn’t command everyone in the Bible to give away everything they own. When Zacchaeus offered to give half his goods to the poor plus restitution to those he defrauded, Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house…” (Luke 19:9). He didn’t say, “That’s not enough. Give it all away.” It also says in Proverbs 13:22, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children…” How can anyone receive an inheritance if their parents or grandparents have nothing left?


1 Timothy 6:17 says, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” It’s not wrong to have possessions as long as they don’t have us. The next verse does exhort us to “…be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.” A rich man can enjoy the finer things of life without being selfish.


No man or watchdog organization has the right to dictate how much each Christian should keep or give of their belongings. God is not into socialism. One requirement believers have is to tithe. Whatever is given beyond that is between them and the Lord. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” 


As a missionary who’s lived out of a suitcase for over two decades, I can relate to those who have forsaken all to follow Him. However, giving everything away won’t give us brownie points in heaven if our motives aren’t right.


“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” - 1 Corinthians 13:3


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