In our materialistic culture, many people approach God as if He were a cosmic ATM machine—a source of financial blessing and material prosperity. Prosperity preachers fill stadiums promoting the idea that God wants to make everyone rich. Self-help spirituality focuses on manifesting wealth and abundance. But what God wants to give you is not money—He wants to give you eternal life.

This is not to say that God doesn't care about our material needs or that He never blesses people financially. But the Bible is crystal clear: Gods supreme gift to humanity is not earthly wealth but eternal life through Jesus Christ. This is the treasure God offers, the blessing He desires most to bestow, and the inheritance that surpasses all earthly riches combined. Understanding this transforms how we relate to God and what we seek from Him.

The Gift God Offers

When we ask what God wants to give us, Scripture provides an unambiguous answer:

Eternal Life is Gods Gift

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23, KJV). This verse contrasts what we earn (death) with what God freely gives (eternal life). Eternal life is not something we can purchase, earn, or achieve—it is a gift that God offers through His Son Jesus Christ.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16, KJV). Gods greatest expression of love was not giving us money, health, or success—it was giving us His Son so that we might have eternal life. This is the gift that truly demonstrates Gods love.

What Eternal Life Means

Eternal life is not merely endless existence—it is knowing God personally and experiencing His presence forever. Jesus defined eternal life this way: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3, KJV).

Eternal life begins the moment you believe in Christ. It is not just a future reality but a present possession. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life" (John 5:24, KJV). Notice the present tense: believers have eternal life now.

This eternal life includes forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, adoption into His family, the indwelling Holy Spirit, transformation of character, purpose and meaning, peace with God, and the promise of resurrection and glorification. These spiritual riches infinitely surpass any material wealth.

Why Eternal Life is More Valuable Than Money

Money is temporary; eternal life is forever. All earthly wealth will be left behind at death. "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out" (1 Timothy 6:7, KJV). But eternal life continues beyond death into endless ages.

Money cannot purchase what matters most. Jesus asked, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8:36-37, KJV). No amount of money can buy salvation, forgiveness, peace with God, or entrance into heaven. The richest person without eternal life is infinitely poorer than the poorest person who knows Christ.

Money is uncertain and fleeting. "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17, KJV). Fortunes can vanish overnight. But eternal life is secure forever in Christ.

The Danger of Seeking Money Instead of God

Many people approach God primarily as a source of material blessing rather than seeking the eternal life He offers:

The Love of Money is Dangerous

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (1 Timothy 6:10, KJV). Notice it is not money itself but the love of money that causes spiritual destruction. When we seek money above God, we fall into dangerous spiritual territory.

Jesus warned, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Matthew 6:24, KJV). We must choose whether God or money will be our master. We cannot have both.

The Deceitfulness of Riches

Jesus taught that wealth can choke out spiritual life: "And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful" (Mark 4:18-19, KJV).

Riches deceive us into thinking we don't need God, that we are self-sufficient, that we have security apart from Him. This deception keeps people from seeking eternal life because they feel satisfied with temporary blessings.

The Rich Young Ruler's Mistake

A wealthy young man came to Jesus seeking eternal life. When Jesus told him to sell his possessions and follow Him, "he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions" (Mark 10:22, KJV). This man chose earthly wealth over eternal life—a tragic decision that illustrates the danger of valuing money above God's gift.

Jesus commented, "How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!" (Mark 10:23, KJV). The problem was not possessing wealth but allowing wealth to possess him—preventing him from receiving eternal life.

What God Really Wants for You

Understanding what God wants to give you transforms your relationship with Him:

God Wants You to Know Him

Gods supreme desire is that you know Him personally through Jesus Christ. "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3, KJV). This intimate knowledge of God is the foundation of eternal life and the greatest blessing anyone can possess.

God Wants You to Be Saved

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). God's primary desire is not to make you wealthy but to save you from sin and eternal judgment.

"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:17, KJV). Jesus came to give eternal life, not to distribute earthly riches.

God Wants You to Live for Him

Once you have received eternal life, God wants you to live for His glory rather than pursuing worldly wealth and pleasure. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21, KJV). Paul found his purpose and satisfaction in Christ, not in earthly possessions.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33, KJV). When we prioritize Gods kingdom and righteousness above material concerns, God promises to provide what we need. The key is getting our priorities right—seeking God first, not seeking money and treating God as an afterthought.

How God Meets Material Needs

While Gods supreme gift is eternal life, He does care about our material needs:

God Promises to Provide

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19, KJV). God promises to meet our needs—not necessarily our greeds, but our legitimate needs. He is a faithful provider for those who trust Him.

"Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11, KJV). Jesus taught us to pray for daily provision, acknowledging our dependence on God for material needs. God cares about these things and invites us to bring our needs to Him in prayer.

Contentment is Great Gain

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (1 Timothy 6:6-8, KJV). True prosperity is not measured by bank accounts but by contentment in Christ.

Paul testified, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:11-13, KJV). Contentment comes from Christ, not circumstances.

Trust God, Not Money

Whether we have much or little materially, we must trust God rather than riches. "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17, KJV).

God may bless some believers with financial prosperity and others with modest means, but both must trust in God alone. Material wealth is a poor foundation for security—only God provides lasting security and peace.

Treasures in Heaven vs. Treasures on Earth

Jesus taught clearly about where we should invest:

Earthly Treasures are Temporary

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal" (Matthew 6:19, KJV). Everything earthly is temporary and vulnerable to loss. Wealth can vanish through economic collapse, theft, inflation, medical expenses, lawsuits, or countless other ways.

Heavenly Treasures are Eternal

"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:20-21, KJV). Investments in Gods kingdom—acts of obedience, generosity, evangelism, discipleship, worship, and service—yield eternal dividends that will never be lost.

What we do for Christ and His kingdom lasts forever. What we accumulate for ourselves on earth lasts only until death, then passes to someone else. The wise person invests in eternal treasures.

Your Heart Follows Your Treasure

Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:21, KJV). If your treasure is in money and possessions, your heart will be there too—and you will be vulnerable to anxiety, greed, and spiritual emptiness. If your treasure is in heaven through Christ, your heart will be there, and you will experience peace, joy, and satisfaction that transcends circumstances.

How to Receive Gods Gift of Eternal Life

If you have been seeking money from God but have never received His gift of eternal life, here is how to obtain this priceless treasure:

Recognize Your Need

Acknowledge that you are a sinner separated from God and deserving His judgment. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, KJV). You cannot save yourself or earn eternal life through good works.

Believe in Jesus Christ

Trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Believe that He died for your sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9, KJV).

Repent of Your Sins

Turn from your sins to God. "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3, KJV). "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19, KJV). Genuine repentance involves sorrow for sin and willingness to turn from it.

Receive Him as Lord and Savior

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12, KJV). Receive Christ into your life, confessing Him as Lord. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Romans 10:9, KJV).

Call Upon the Lord

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13, KJV). Right now, you can call upon Christ in prayer, asking Him to save you and give you eternal life.

Living with Eternal Perspective

Once you have received eternal life, live in light of this reality:

Set your affections on things above. "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2, KJV). Focus on eternal realities rather than temporary material concerns.

Use money for Gods glory. Whatever financial resources God provides, use them to advance His kingdom, bless others, and store up treasures in heaven.

Find your satisfaction in Christ. Don't look to money for security, significance, or satisfaction. Find these in your relationship with Christ.

Share the gospel generously. Since eternal life is the greatest gift, share this good news with others who need to hear about Christ.

Live with eternity in view. Remember that this life is brief and eternity is forever. Make decisions based on eternal values, not temporary circumstances.

Conclusion: Choosing the Greater Treasure

What God wants to give you is not money—He wants to give you eternal life through Jesus Christ. This is the supreme gift, the ultimate blessing, the treasure that surpasses all earthly riches. While God may provide material blessings according to His will, His primary gift is infinitely more valuable: forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with Him, adoption into His family, and eternal life in His presence.

Do not make the mistake of seeking money from God while neglecting the eternal life He offers. Do not be like the rich young ruler who chose earthly wealth over eternal treasure. Instead, seek first Gods kingdom and righteousness. Receive the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Then trust God to provide for your material needs as you live for His glory.

Remember Jesus' words: "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36, KJV). Choose eternal life over temporary wealth. Choose spiritual riches over material prosperity. Choose the gift God most wants to give you—eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible. May God grant you wisdom to seek eternal treasures above temporary wealth, and may you receive His greatest gift—eternal life through Jesus Christ. Seek Him first, trust Him completely, and invest in treasures that last forever.