On Wednesday, January 14, 2016, millions of ticket holders held their breath as numbers were announced for the winner of the $1.6 billion jackpot. This was the highest drawing in Powerball history, enough to buy nine of your own private islands! Unfortunately, chances of winning were 1 out of 292 million. Basically, if every American citizen put his or her name in a hat, based on statistics, only one would be able to win. Still, extremely low odds didn’t stop millions of people from purchasing tickets. Why would so many people buy tickets when they had a better chance of being struck by lightning? The hype around the recent Powerball lottery provides insight related to our society’s obsession with money.

Handling money

The national fascination over the lottery has caused many people to think about what they would do with all that money. The Bible makes it clear that we should be very careful how we handle money and that the love of money can lead to “all kinds of evil” (2 Timothy 6:10). Earning and having money is not evil; but what we do with our money is very important to God. God commands us to give to others in need. In the Bible, giving is also referenced as tithing. According to the Old Testament law, Israelites were required to give to the Tabernacle 10 percent, or the tithe, of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised. The New Testament teaches the importance of and benefits of giving the tithe, along with offerings, as one is able.

Give to transform the world

Jesus set the example for giving passionately and generously to those in need. When we give to others, it is a visible manifestation of God at work within us (John 3:17). Tithing and giving offerings allow followers of Christ to actively participate in God’s plan of bringing redemption to this earth! Can you imagine what the world would be like if every Christian truly had a giving heart? Giving has the power to transform the world by reflecting the love of Christ to everyone.

Question of the day: What would you do if you wont $1.6 billion in the Powerball lottery?
Focal Scriptures: 1 Timothy 6:5-10, 17-19; Mark 10:17-31; Acts 4:32-35

For a complete lesson on this topic visit LinC.