LIVING GENEROUSLY
“Jesus Christ said more about money than any other single thing because, when it comes to a person’s real nature, money is of first importance. Money is an exact index to a person’s true character. All through scripture there is an intimate connection between the development of a person’s character and how they handle their money.”
-Richard Halverson
10 Attitudes About Christian Giving
1. “I think there’s way too much emphasis on money from the pulpit.”
The fact that nearly 50% of Jesus’ teachings emphasize how we are to honor God with our financial resources shows the priority He places on giving. Just as giving is a tangible evidence of God’s love for us, it is one of the ways we demonstrate our desire to live under His lordship.
-see John 3:16 & Ephesians 5:7
2. “My giving is really nobody’s business but my own.”
Through the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14) and the parable of the misguided merchant (Luke 12:16), Jesus tells us that our lives and possessions are loans for which we are accountable. Because we are members of Christ’s Body, called to participate in ministry with God and other believers, our giving is always personal but never private.
-see 1 Corinthians 4:2, 4:7
3. “Tithing is an Old Testament concept that doesn’t apply to the New Testament Christian.”
Jesus apparently considered tithing an assumed discipline (not a legal requirement) for His followers. Paul urged Christians to practice proportionate (percentage) giving. Since all of life is God’s gift to us, isn’t it amazing that He asks only 10% when He could require more? Have you ever asked yourself, “Do I really want to give less under grace that I would under the Law?”
-See Matthew 23:23 & 1 Corinthians 16:2
4. “God doesn’t need my little contribution to accomplish His ends.”
Giving isn’t something we do to help God but to help us mature in dependence on Him. He doesn’t ask for equal gifts from each of us, but equal sacrifices. As our unsaved friends see that we are willing to submit even our finances to the Lord, the reality of our commitment becomes a witness.
-See Philippians 4:17 & Matthew 5:16
5. “I’ll give what I can when I can, but I don’t agree with this idea of signing a pledge card.”
Paul reminded believers at Corinth of their promises to give. David asked for commitment from his leaders in building God’s temple. We regularly pledge our allegiance to our country, our fidelity to spouses, payments to mortgage institutions, our diligence to employers, etc. Will we not also pledge in mission to the One who pledged His life for us?
-See 2 Corinthians 9:5 & 10:35
6. “I don’t believe it’s the amount I give that concerns God. It’s the attitude of the giver that’s important to Him.”
In one sense, the size of our gift really isn’t the issue (2 Corinthians 8:9-15). But for the Christian steward, an ongoing reality check might be to ask, “Does my giving show trust in God’s provision, like the widow in Luke 21?” Or, “Like David, am I unwilling to give a gift that is less than sacrificial?”
-See 1 Chronicles 21:24 & Luke 21:4
7. “I think I have a right to know exactly where the money I give goes.”
Our abilities to earn are gifts from God. He has not asked us to give a dollar-by-dollar accounting of those gifts. He asks only that we respond by co-laboring in Christ’s mission. Certainly, we should be wise in our giving. But possessive of our gifts or demanding of the beneficiaries? Never.
-See Psalm 24:1 & 1 Chronicles 29:14
8. “I’d rather just give a lump sum once a year than try to keep track of a monthly or weekly amount.”
Could we manage our households without the blessing of regular resources? The Household of Faith benefits from the same ability to plan. Similarly, our lives benefit from the worship of giving with a regularity that affirms the priority of Christ’s lordship and provides constant reminders of His faithfulness.
-See 1 Corinthians 16:2 & Luke 14:28
9. “We’re just going through a real tough time financially right now. We’ll catch up on our giving when things get better.”
The Church abounds with testimonies of God’s faithfulness to Christians who have been generous, “even though they were very poor” (2 Corinthians 8:2). Ask pastor for examples in our church. Faithful stewardship doesn’t depend on how much money we possess, but on how much of us God possesses.
-See Matthew 6:33 & Luke 6:38
10. “I split my giving between several organizations that minister to me and my family, not just our church.”
Believers are called to be open to needs, exercising discernment so that our giving will further the Gospel. However, just as we give priority to meeting the needs of our children before providing for “cousins,” our first duty as Christian stewards is to our church family.
-See Galatians 6:10 & Malachi 3:10
