Treasure in a Field

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — from Acts 20

Charlie’s father had left each of his sons a large share of his fortune. Charlie would receive his when he turned twenty-five. That birthday came in China, on 2 December 1885.

Charlie had been reading what Jesus said to a rich young man: go and sell what you have, give to the poor, and come and follow me. Most people thought Jesus did not mean that for them. Charlie believed Jesus meant it for him.

On 13 January 1887, the day most often remembered, Charlie began writing cheques, before he even knew exactly how much money he had! In the end he gave away almost all of it, about twenty-five or twenty-nine thousand pounds. In those days that was a huge fortune, worth millions today.

He chose carefully. Five thousand pounds went to Mr Moody, who had helped his father and himself. Five thousand went to George Müller in Bristol, who cared for thousands of orphans and asked nobody but God for money. Five thousand went to George Holland, who helped very poor families in London. And five thousand went to Frederick Booth-Tucker, who led the Salvation Army in India and lived simply among the poor there. Charlie kept back a smaller sum, about three thousand four hundred pounds, which was meant for a wife one day.

Jesus once told a story about a man who found treasure hidden in a field. He was so full of joy that he sold everything he had to buy that field. Charlie felt just like that man. Giving his money away did not feel like losing something. It made him free and glad, and he never wished he had it back.

You may not have a fortune, but you can still give: your toys, your time, your help, your kindness. Jesus said that giving makes us even happier than getting. Try it and see!

Dear Jesus, you are better than any treasure. Help me to give gladly to others, the way you gave yourself for me. Amen.