It’s remarkable how much attention Jesus gives to the subject of finances. His teachings are full of advice about how to use the money that God allows us to acquire. He points out that our attitude toward material things is a clue to what drives us: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”—Matthew 6:21. As followers of Christ, we would do well to heed what Jesus says about money and how we handle it.

The rich young ruler—who claimed to have lived in obedience to God–walked away from Jesus, sad because he would not let go of his riches in order to have treasure in heaven (Luke 18:18-23). On the other hand, a poor widow gave her last two coins to God (Mark 12:41-44). Evidently, she had developed a faith in God that the rich young ruler knew nothing about.

Granted, these are two extreme cases. Most of us find ourselves somewhere between the rich man’s greed and the widow’s willingness to sacrifice.

But to which one are you closest?