Giving

I wanted to spend a few moments and think about giving and how our lives should be characterized regarding giving. To frame the discussion, I want to note that giving can only occur if we have margin in our lives -- financial, emotional, and time margin. If we have no "excess" planned in our lives, there is nothing to give out of. Second, I do not desire to get into a debate re a "tithe" in this entry. Though, I would note only that re the tithe during the Israel days there was more than one and it occurred under a theocratic form of government. But, I don't want to get into a debate because giving is so much more than a percentage.

I believe giving most clearly demonstrates to the outsiders an inside reality and shows our maturity as believers. Love motivates us to give. Not fear of a lack of a blessing or a curse. We give out of desire not duty. And, many times we mess this up. We fail to realize that it is a honor and privilege that God allows us to partner with Him by giving. In fact, God, "gave his one and only son," to demonstrate His love for us.

Moving on to some general concepts re giving:

1. If we hold on to what we have, we will end up having less: Prov. 11:24 "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty."

2. We reap what we sow. Gal. 6:7 "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."

The hardest thing about the N.T. for believers is that we cannot legislate and say, "this is black and white" on many issues. It is difficult because we want to be able to have clear answers. But, at the same time, this couldn't be any better for His children. The reality is that God wants to abide with us and speak with us. And, if the life were just a set of checklists, there would be no need for communion. So, God gives us some heart questions to make sure our hearts are good. Because on the outside they could look good but upon inspection they could be very hard. Here's his five part checkup, specifically, about giving:

a. Generous. 2 Cor. 9:6. Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously

b. Proportionate. 2 Cor 8: 10 & 11. And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.

c. Cheerful. 2 Cor. 9:7. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

d. Consistent. 1 Cor. 16:2. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

e. Sacrificial. 2 Cor. 8:3 "For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing."

Are you generous. What does that mean for you? Ask God. We are to be proportionate, which is pretty simple. The next one can be more difficult -- cheerful. Do you look at giving as an opportunity to partner with God and be used by Him? Are you a consistent giver. Is is a planned event or an emotional one? God tells us to plan it. And, lastly, are you sacrificing "beyond [your] ability." C.S. Lewis has an interesting thought on monetary giving saying that if you can do all that your non-christian friends do at the same economic level, they you are probably not giving enough.

All of these principles can be applied to our giving in relationships, of our time, our abilities, and our money. I'm convinced if we really took time to allow these verses to saturate our hearts, God would take hold and guide us to the application of them to our lives in all areas of giving -- with relationship, your abilities, and your money.

Are you willing for the Shepherd to lead you?

(On a related note, we give more than a "tithe" to the local church because it is where the Shepherd has lead us).