The Scriptures on Finances - Give to reap what you sow

This week we will continue to look at material from the book “Managing God’s Money” by Randy Alcorn.

Matthew 16:27 “For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father’s glory with his angels, and then He will reward each person according to what he has done”.

Our goal should be to please God. We are not under the law but under grace.

One of the ways we can please God is by being good stewards with good heart attitudes. God is watching not just how much we give but He also looks at our hearts. What is our motivation for giving? Why do we do the things we do? Are we serving Him because we feel we have to or because we desire to serve Him and bless Him? I have met many people who attended church who did not believe that they should tithe.

Galatians 6:6 states, “Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them”. Randy Alcorn explains that “In contrast to the 10 percent the Israelites were commanded to give to the Levites for their spiritual leadership, the average giving of American Christians to support their churches, spiritual leaders, missions work, and the needy totals about 2.5 percent, one-fourth of a tithe. This statistic suggests that the Israelites were four times more responsive to the Law of Moses than the average American Christian is to the grace of Christ!”

We should tithe but not neglect the more important things such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. We are to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. It is humbling to admit that God owns everything. It is humbling to say that in Him we live and move and have our being. It is a joy when we sometimes get it right and give because of our devotion to God. David gave all of his own private treasures of gold and silver to help in the construction of the Temple. The leaders, generals, captains and administrative officers all gave willingly. Others followed the example of the leaders and rejoiced over the offerings because they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. What a demonstration of love, joy, and worship.

We often forget that God does not need what we call “our money.” We need to give because we reap what we sow. The amount we give determines the amount we receive. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 states “Remember this — a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others”.

Proverbs 11:24-25 instructs, “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed”. We are made rich in every way so that we can always be generous. Mr. Alcorn teaches that parting with something we don’t want is selective disposal. David would not sacrifice to the Lord something that cost him nothing. We are to be the sheep who help brothers and sisters and go into eternal life. When we help the poor we are lending to the Lord and He will repay us. We need to remember to treat others the way we would want to be treated if we were in their shoes.

1 Timothy 5:3-4 commands, “Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her. But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God.”

May we continue to listen to the still small voice of God and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in our giving. May God bless you big.

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This is the 25th column in a series by Kevin Barsotti, pastor at Ark Church in Havre, about financial matters and their treatment in the Christian faith.