"I value all things only by the price they shall gain in eternity." These are the words of the preacher and evangelist - John Wesley. They made me think again, "What do I value...and why?" Our culture is so rich in "things." How do we sort through the clutter of stuff to get to that which has true value? How do we keep eternity in view when there is so much that can obscure our view?

The first key is to discover what God values. Scripture makes it clear: "For God so loved the world, He gave His only Son..." God values us! He values all the peoples of the world that He gave His most precious possession, His only Son. He didn't tithe an angel or two or even a few years of His Son's service. He gave His Son's very life so that we could be saved and live to glorify Him.

All we have belongs to Him. So why do we consider ourselves "generous" when we give back a portion of what He's given us...when He's given His all for us? This isn't a problem that's new in our generation. John Wesley lived in the 1700s and felt burdened to consistently preach and live the message that stewardship of financial resources was an integral part of a worshipful and obedient life.