Over the past 15 years, a New Jersey businessman has anonymously given away more than $600 million to universities, medical centers, and other beneficiaries. When a legal complication forced him to reveal his identity, he explained his generosity by saying, "Nobody can wear two pairs of shoes at one time. I simply decided I had enough money."

A friend of the donor described him as a man who doesn't own a house or a car, flies economy class, wears a $15 watch, and "didn't want his money to crush him."

Few people seem able to treat their resources as a servant instead of a master. It seems so natural and sensible to grasp rather than to give. Even as followers of Christ, we may mistakenly believe that "godliness is a means of gain" (1 Tim. 6:5).

To counter that dangerous mindset, the apostle Paul wrote, "Godliness with contentment is great gain. . . . And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (vv.6,8). Contentment, according to one observer, "is not an economic quality but a spiritual attainment. It is not a state of accounts but a state of heart."

Are you a confirmed grasper or a contented giver? It will be demonstrated by what you do with what you have.  — David C. McCasland