But take note that these gifts were costly. King David knew the principle of true worship. “And the king said . . . neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which costs me nothing” (II Samuel 24:24). True worship is costly. It cost the Father His only son. It cost Jesus his life. And true worship costs us our very life – a surrender of all. (Romans 12:1-2) But is that too much to ask, since God gave his all for you?

God desires us to have a truly prosperous and happy New Year. To do so we need the proper perspective on wealth and money. Like the wise men of old, we should present to the Lord Jesus Christ our treasures in worship. Jesus honored the widow’s mite because she gave out of her poverty and love for God. (Mark 12:41-44)

Jesus taught how to have a right perspective and true prosperity. A young man inquired of the Lord concerning his inheritance. I imagine they had inheritance taxes back then as well! Jesus gave him some great investment advice. (Luke 12:13-33) As you come into the New Year, review your portfolio. How obedient are you to the Master?

“Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasures for you in heaven! The PURSES OF HEAVEN HAVE NO HOLES. Your treasure will be safe – no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. “Wherever your treasure is there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:33-34 NLT).

Let’s briefly consider eight perspectives to evaluate and enable us to begin a life of true prosperity.

First – PRIORITIES. (Luke 12:13-21) Jesus warned about covetousness. He revealed a secret that many people never come to realize. “For a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses” (Luke 12:15) Things will not bring you true happiness. The foolish rich farmer did not realize that money and pleasure could not buy eternal life. Your priorities in this life will greatly determine your place in the next life. (Luke 16) Speaking of the terrible plight of the foolish farmer and those who do not have their priorities right Jesus said, “So is he that lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). What should our priorities be? Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all of these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Second – POSSESSIONS. (Luke 12:15-30) Do possessions have you or do you use possessions as a wise steward of your Lord and Master?

Third – PUT PERSONAL TRUST IN GOD. (Luke 12:24-28) Anxiety and worry about money and material needs will not prosper you but will drain your happiness. Jesus taught us to take a lesson from lilies of the field and the birds of the air. If God takes care of them, we can trust him to care for us. We are much more valuable to him.

Fourth – PRIMARY CONCERN. What should your primary concern be? Jesus tells us. The kingdom of God, our relationship with Him, and making Him known should be our primary concern. Only what’s done for Christ will really last. (Luke 12:21, 31, 32)

Fifth – PROVIDE FOR THOSE IN NEED. Bruce Wilkinson in his book The Life that God Rewards zeroes in on Jesus’ teaching. Providing for those in need is worth more than a $1,000,000. Not only will you have a rewarding life now, but you’ll lay up treasures in heaven. (Luke 12:33-34)

Sixth – PURSES IN HEAVEN. When you follow Jesus’ investment plan, you are putting your treasures and investments in the Purses of Heaven that have no holes in them. (Luke 12:33-34 NLT) Have you ever felt that your money seems to disappear with little to show for it? Lay up treasures in heaven. The “Purses of Heave” are secure, growing, and long lasting. You can’t take it with you but you can send it on ahead by giving to God and His work.

Seventh – PRINCIPLE OF PROPORTIONATE SOWING AND REAPING. (Luke 6:38) Jesus taught us that one is blessed by God in proportion to what he gives. In heaven an eternal reward awaits God’s good stewards. (Luke 12:33)

Eighth – PROMISE TO BELELIVE AND RECEIVE. Jesus assured us that our Heavenly Father would meet our daily needs if we would trust Him and make the kingdom of God our priority. (Luke 6:33; 12:30-31)

This New Year may you discover that the Purses of Heaven have no holes in them.