Matthew 6:33 (NLT) 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Prosecho- Greek “to give careful attention" In a culture obsessed with the next big thing, Jesus invites us to gain clarity on the eternal • Nearsightedness in Our Spiritual Lives Commit to Intentional Spiritual Growth 2 Peter 1:5–7 (NLT) 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. Hebrews 5:14 (NLT) 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. Acts 2:42 (NLT) 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. James 1:22 (NLT) 22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 2 Peter 1:10–11 (NLT) 10 So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 11 Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. • Nearsightedness in Our Personal Vision 2022 Gallup poll revealed that 77% of people feel disconnected from their life’s greater purpose Look beyond your present situation and step into God’s greater vision for your life Proverbs 16:3 (NLT) 3 Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. Hebrews 11:8 (NLT) 8 It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. Psalm 119:105 (NLT) “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Colossians 3:23 (NLT) “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” • Nearsightedness in Our Finances Psalm 24:1–2 (NLT) 1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. 2 For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. Christians in the United States donate less than 2% of their income to their local churches. This is less than the traditional tithe of 10% and even lower than the 3.3% given during the Great Depression. Only about 5% of churchgoers practice tithing. Why Do I tithe? Tithing Strengthens the Church to Fulfill God’s Mission Tithing is an Act of Trust in God’s Faithfulness Tithing Opens My Life to God’s Provision Tithing Reminds Me That God is My True Provider Tithing Aligns My Finances with God’s Eternal Plan Tithing Brings Spiritual Meaning to My Career Tithing Plants Seeds That Lead to Kingdom Growth Tithing Breaks the Grip of Greed and Cultivates Faith Tithing Declares That God Has First Place in My Life Tithing is not about generosity it is about obedience; generosity is what we give beyond the tithe. Every Financial Decision is a Spiritual Decision Proverbs 3:9–10 (ESV) 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.! Matthew 25:14–15 (NLT) 14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 (NLT) 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.