Editor’s Note: I’ve missed this. I’ve had a lot to ponder in the last few days, and I’ve actually missed blogging. Now I’m not one to get in my feels on my first post after a real absence LOL, so I’ll keep it simple: today’s topic is MONEY. Another month, another moment to consider my finances eh…
Each month I have a financial clean up, looking at how much I’m spending and how much disposable income I have for other things. And looking at my various accounts, and my pattern of giving, I was challenged to do more introspection into this area.
There’s one 2 Corinthians scripture that the Holy Spirit dropped on me tho:
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Perhaps this verse resonated with me more as last Sunday was Thanksgiving Sunday at our church, and I don’t feel like I connected with my giving on the day, which has been an uncomfortable trend of late. But it was the end of the verse that just hit me differently.
*Not out of necessity*
So often we are aware of (and rightly reject) compulsion, pleadings and borderline duress from the pulpits in our churches or on our televisions, but the Bible said we should *not* give out of necessity.
Thank God for the Holy Spirit, who we need to consult every time we give to determine when to give, how much to give, but more importantly WHAT to give, because giving encompasses so much more than pounds – it’s not the money God requires but the obedience, the willingness, the sensitivity to His voice.
It’s a shame that so many Christians/Churches have become so money-centric that tithing has become a gospel of its own – “the Gospel of Tithes”….as if tithes have the ability to save us or make us right in God’s eyes.
Obviously it’s not about the money, but it’s as if many Christians accept it is because financial giving does not really cost us anything.
God help us to give properly, and not just financially, because Christ said that to whom much is given, much is required.
But what if God told us He doesn’t want our tithes?
What if He said He wanted our TIME instead?
Would we still give that with a cheerful heart, and not grudgingly?
10% of our day to prayer and intercession?
10% of our week to fasting?
10% of our month to evangelism and missions?
10% of our lives to studying and meditating on the Word?
I’m definitely going to study this topic again, and I would encourage you to do the same, and find out what God wants you to give to Him…
Blessings,
S.
Stephanie Speaks On 