I am thankful for our faithful and courageous elders who allow me to preach the whole council of God. The topic of this article usually causes people to bristle up and get offended because it is a sensitive subject. But please read the content of this article with an open mind and willing heart.
Believe it or not, money and possessions are the most talked about subjects in the Bible – more than prayer, faith or salvation. Our interaction with money should begin with acknowledging that everything belongs to God (Ps. 24:1).
Think about it for a moment; we live by faith. We are saved by faith! If we believe in God’s promises, we will trust when He says He will provide for all of our needs (Phil. 4:19). Faith is directly connected with our giving. Our giving is a way to demonstrate gratitude for God’s blessings. It also shows a trust in God’s provision and guidance.
Law of reason and common sense will help us understand our dependence on God, even dealing with our finances. We don’t depend on our government to set our standard for our spiritual guidelines. We don’t trust our government with our salvation. So why do we trust our government to give us financial security, such as our retirement, our 401Ks or depend on the government to protect our investments? I am not against the government, but what I am encouraging is we need to have a greater faith in God’s ability to provide for our every need.
There are many lessons in God’s Word concerning our giving. God is the source of everything we have (John 3:27; 1 Cor. 4:7) so we are only stewards of what is rightfully God’s (1 Peter 4:10). Giving is an act of worship (Rom. 12:1), it should be proportionate (1 Cor. 16:1-2), it should be voluntary (2 Cor. 8:1-5), it should be planned, (2 Cor. 9: 3-5), and it should be cheerful (2 Cor. 9:7).
Jesus declares that our attitude toward money suggests the focus of our hearts. (Matt. 6:21). We are told that the one who gives generously also reaps generously (2 Cor. 9:6; Pro. 22:9). Paul describes the Philippians’ financial gifts to him as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (Phil. 4:18).
I believe the words of Jesus in Luke directly link our giving to our faith. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you in return.” (Luke 6:38).
We simply show our trust in God’s ability to provide for us as we give back. We give to our Lord so we can participate in reaching the lost and helping those who are in need (Acts 4:32-37). Apostle Paul even touches on the importance of giving, and the results of giving. (2 Cor. 9:6-15).
The joy of giving should be at the center of our Christian faith, love and trust in our Heavenly Father. Please don’t shy away from this subject, but rather embrace it, knowing God is the greatest giver of all. If we want to be like God, we will be cheerful givers.
As we assemble this Lord’s Day to worship our great God, let us be mindful of all the many blessings He has bestowed upon us and pray to be faithful and trusting in our giving.
In Christ,
Steve
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