When my children were small, I would bring them a little toy or something when I came home from a speaking engagement. At first they were extremely grateful and would say, “Oh Daddy, thank you!” and give me hugs and kisses. But after a while they came to expect the gifts, and they wanted to know when I was going away again so I could bring them something.
That’s often the way we treat our heavenly Father. “God, hurry up and give me something so I can have a new toy.”
There is no question that God is a giver: “For God so loved the world, that He gave…” (John 3:16), and for this He deserves your gifts. However, God is after people who love and value Him and give out of that affection, not expectation.
When you understand grace, giving becomes a way of life.
Read Psalm 24:1. The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains.
Read 2 Corinthians 9:8. God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.
Reflect: What is the connection between your giving and God’s grace?
Giving is a key ingredient in our spiritual growth. Paul told the Corinthians to lay aside their gifts “on the first day of every week” (1 Corinthians 16:2). That’s Sunday, the Lord’s Day. In other words, giving is part of our worship. It’s to be systematic, and “as [God] may prosper,” which means our giving should reflect His bounty to us.
Giving has to become a way of life for us as believers, and we never have to worry that God is going to slip up or forget about us.
Reflect: Define stewardship versus ownership. In the past, have you acted as a steward or owner of your resources?
Reflect: Why is it important to give your first and best to God?
Reflect: Would your thoughts about giving change if Jesus were the usher passing the offering plate?
For His Kingdom,
Tony Evans
Prayer: Lord, I know you are faithful. Help me to trust You to pour out a blessing until it overflows like in Malachi 3:10. I believe you will suplly all of my needs. In Christ's name, Amen.
