Believers periodically tell me versions of the following: “We shouldn’t be thinking about reunion with loved ones, or the joys of Heaven. We should only be thinking about being united with Christ, who is our only treasure.” This sounds spiritual, but is it?

Can you imagine anyone saying on his or her deathbed, “I wish I’d bought more stuff”? If we truly understood both the present and the eternal results of giving, we’d never hesitate or wonder whether it’s worthwhile to give now.