It's expensive

It's all about giving what you have. When you do it's multiplied. Therefore; it is not about what you have given but what God has done. He will always take the glory. This is as it should be. It keeps us humble and draws people to himself. A great example of this is the boy who gives the fish and loaves when Jesus feeds the 5000. This was likely the boy and his family's lunch and may have have lasted them a couple days. Knowing full well he would probably be in trouble when he got home, he gave away what little he had. He trusted God. His faith allowed this miracle to happen. Even though his contribution seemed minute in his mind he willingly gave it all. God could have sent Mana again from the sky, but there was a willing servant in this boy. He took the gift freely given him and made it more than enough for the crowd.

God doesn't need us to be rich monetarily. In fact he asks for our all over and over. I would assume this applies to all. He wants our all not because he needs it but as an assurance of faith. He knows our heart but we are physical beings. Our physical selves need to give a show of the value which they place on something. It's for us as much as it is for God. We see this in the parables of the kingdom of heaven. A guy sells everything he has to buy a field in which he found treasure. How much is the kingdom worth to you? Are you willing to leave all you have, all you hold dear? Is the kingdom that valuable to you? It will cost you all this and more. Jesus said we don't build a house without knowing it's cost. Why would we commit our lives to something without knowing what we were getting into. Recent evangelistic efforts hid this from people. We told them come, say a prayer, and go to heaven. The cost of grace is free, a gift. But the cost of discipleship, of following Jesus, is great. It'll cost you your life. Everything about your old life and ultimately your physical life will be lost. This is traded in for the abundant life and ultimately the eternal life with God. Jesus says those who strive to keep their life will lose it, but those who lose their life will find it.