“My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:6–8
In my first book (KingdomNomics: Enjoy a Life that Will Echo into Eternity), I shared how I went through a conversion process. My relationship with Jesus Christ set me on the road to becoming a Converterlator. This is a journey for each one of us and God teaches us and leads us in many different ways. However, the one thing I do know is that each one of us is called to converterlate our time, talent, and treasure. Now that my life is directed by God, I have a different view of all of my earthly treasure including my money and I use it in a different way than I did before I met Christ. My goal is to be investing in eternity.
I love the story of Zacchaeus in the New Testament. In Luke 19 we read, “And when Jesus came to that place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, because I must stay at your house today.” So he came down quickly and welcomed Jesus joyfully. ”
—Luke 19:5–6
Zacchaeus was a “money guy” who was hated by his own people because he was a tax collector for the notorious Roman government. He was a self-starter, and he really did not care what other people thought of him. But here we find him wanting to see Jesus! He found a tree that would put him above the crowd and he waited. When Jesus called him, he responded immediately.
In verse 8 we read the rest of the story:
“But Zacchaeus stopped and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I now give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone of anything, I am paying back four times as much!” The life of Zacchaeus was changed! His encounter with Jesus transformed the view he had of his wealth and of his fellow man. The Spirit enlightened his heart and moved him to follow through with his new insight. By giving away a large portion of his personal wealth he became a strategic kingdom investor. He finally understood that his money was to be used for the advancement of God’s kingdom, not his own, and he responded! When his perspective changed, so did his behavior.
In what ways are you using your material blessings to bless other people?
Converterlators embrace the call to use all of their time, talent, and treasure to advance God’s kingdom.