By: C.J. Lloyd September 6th, 2024

In the Gospels, Jesus presents radical calls to discipleship, including the command to “sell all that you possess and distribute the money to the poor” (Luke 18:22 NASB20). This raises a challenging question for Christians: Does Christ ask us to give away everything we own? While some believers have taken this command literally, many struggle to balance this call with life, family, and stewardship responsibilities. In this post, we will explore whether Christ expects every Christian to give away everything, bringing in biblical insights.

Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler in Luke 18:18-23 is often used when discussing radical generosity. Jesus told the young man to sell everything he had and give to the poor to inherit eternal life. This command was specific to the young ruler, whose wealth was an obstacle to fully following Christ. While this story highlights the dangers of wealth and the call to prioritize Christ over possessions, it raises the question of whether this command applies universally to all Christians.

John Piper, a well-known pastor and theologian, emphasizes the heart behind giving rather than the specific amount or action. In his teachings, Piper often discusses the principle of “treasuring Christ above all things.” He argues that Jesus’ command to the rich young ruler was not merely about the act of giving away possessions but about breaking the hold that wealth had on the young man’s heart. Piper would argue that Christian giving is about demonstrating that our ultimate treasure is in Christ, not material wealth. This doesn’t necessarily mean giving everything away, but it does mean living so that our resources reflect our trust and joy in God rather than our possessions.

The Bible provides examples of different responses to Jesus’ call to give. Zacchaeus (Luke 19:8) gave half of his wealth to the poor and was commended for his repentance and generosity. The early Christians in Acts 4:34-35 sold property to meet needs within the community, but this was done voluntarily, not under compulsion.

These examples suggest that while radical generosity is commendable, giving away everything is not necessarily a requirement for all followers of Jesus. Instead, the emphasis is on a heart of generosity and obedience to the Holy Spirit’s leading in how we use our resources.

Piper challenges Christians to examine their hearts and ask whether they are clinging to possessions or treasuring Christ above all. He advocates for a lifestyle of simplicity and generosity, where the use of wealth reflects the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. For Piper, the key question is not “How much should I give?” but “Is Christ my greatest treasure?”