It can get discouraging, but I do not feel so bad when I recall that one of the subjects that Jesus mentions most frequently in the Gospels is money. This is because how we spend our money says a lot about what we really believe. Or as Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be" (Matthew 6:21). Our Lord said this in a religious context in which pious Jews gave 10% of their income to God as a sign of thanksgiving (2 Chronicles 31:4-5). We know from the Acts of the Apostles that the first Christians sold all they had and held everything in common as members of the Church (Acts 4:32).
As the year draws to an end, it is a good time to examine our consciences as regards our use of money. If a third party were to review our annual expenditures, how much evidence would there be that we are a follower of Jesus Christ? Have we spent money on unnecessary luxuries (Hebrews 13:5)? Do we live beyond our means through excessive use of credit (Proverbs 22:7)? Do we support the Church and charity to the point that we have to sacrifice having some of the things that we would like to have (Luke 12:33)? How much do we prudently trust that if we use money as God commands us, He will rain His blessings upon us (Malachi 3:8-11)?
"[Paul said], keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).