I was really impacted by some words spoken by a man that taught me much about life and still gives me lectures: my dad. I always think that words that are spoken by someone who lives everything they say are more impactful, and so these were. This is a slightly adapted version for you. Here goes:
It’s easy, so very easy, for one’s entire life to be built around money: the money that we need to survive; money to get out of poverty; money to get wealth; schooling to get wealth; friendship for the sake of wealth; marriage for the sake of wealth… But living to get wealth and riches makes for a very poor foundation for one’s life.
The Bible puts it this way:
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for their future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-18)
WHAT DOES A LIFESTYLE OF GIVING LOOK LIKE?
Just look at this passage in the Bible, where the apostle Paul (one of the writers of the New Testament) is talking to the Corinthians (where one of the earliest churches was established) to try and inspire them about the giving of the poor Macedonians.
“Now I want you to know dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the many churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for all the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage your enthusiasm, and your love for us – I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the churches.”– 2 Corinthians 8:1-8
The Corinthians were rich, and Paul was trying to get them to fulfil a pledge that they made to help the drought-stricken Judean church. We can learn a few valuable lessons from this:
- There is no such thing as being too poor to give!
The Bible (in Philippians 4:9) tells us that God will supply all of our needs according to his glorious riches that are found in Jesus! Paul wrote that because he wanted to spur the Corinthians on in their giving. God will provide all of our needs according to his glorious riches, especially once we are able to practice giving. This promise was one made especially for givers who never thought of themselves as too poor!
- Giving ourselves to God is the primary gift every human being needs to give!
An amazing author and pastor, Rick Warren, says that he has absolutely no qualms about asking people to give of themselves to church because sports and other clubs get people involved much more without apologising. People don’t mind being committed, but it’s often to the wrong things!
- We need to give ourselves in our churches to our leaders!
What do you think about that awesome verse from Hebrews 13:17?
“Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to ] let them do this with gladness and not with signing and groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either].”
- Giving, is a ministry!
I think that ministry can be seen as an act of service that benefits the servant most of all! You see, because it’s human nature to grasp, to take, to deceive, to get at all costs (just check out the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis). Jacob deceived so much, to the point where Esau wanted to kill him. It all changed, however, after he committed his tithe at Bethel, and then returned twenty years later, a very wealthy man – even richer than his father-in-law.
- Giving demonstrates genuine love!
The Bible (in 1 Corinthians 16:22) says the following. It sounds pretty severe, but demonstrates a simple truth:
“If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, Come!”
I think that witchcraft and satanic curses are nothing compared to the curse that not loving God will invite into our lives. One particular version of the Bible translates the word accursed to “anathema,” which means to be bound under a great curse; devoted to the direst of woes; doomed to destruction.
But, “God so loved the world that he have his only son…” (you’ve probably heard of this famous verse in John 3:16). How can we show our love to God, our acceptance of him sending his son to become accursed for our sins? I think the valid response would be to give just like he did! Obviously, we can never give the sacrifice that he gave, but we can give of what we have now. You can start with your life by letting him take control of your life. I honestly think that this is the best decision that you’ll ever make!