Read Genesis 25:5–8

Many years ago, a wise and godly friend and financial counsellor convinced Cynthia and me that we should share our possessions and inheritance before we die. He quoted the old saying, “Do your givin’ while you’re livin’, then you’re knowin’ where it’s goin’.”

He wasn’t just sharing his opinion or delivering a personal preference. He offered to us a principle of handling our financial blessings straight from God’s Word:

Abraham gave everything he owned to his son Isaac. But before he died, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them off to a land in the east, away from Isaac.

Abraham lived for 175 years, and he died at a ripe old age, having lived a long and satisfying life. He breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death. (Genesis 25:5–8)

I believe that wise planning and a spirit of grace are why Abraham was at peace in his final days, fully surrendered and fully satisfied with life (Genesis 25:8). His hands were open, and he had done his “givin’ while he was livin’.” Let me offer a touch of New Testament perspective here:

Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don’t want what you have—I want you. After all, children don’t provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children. I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you. (2 Corinthians 12:14–15)

Are you experiencing the joy of releasing your wealth while you’re still on the planet, as Abraham and Sarah did? If not, what steps can you take today to begin that process? Trust me: your children and grandchildren will be glad you didn’t wait until you were no longer livin’ before you started givin’.

Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord...Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.

The full devotional can be purchased at https://www.tyndale.com/p/good-morning-lord-can-we-talk/9781414380681.