People often complain, “Churches today only care about money.” They're concerned about how the money they give will be used. if their money will be used wisely. Perhaps because people see so much abuse and misuse of tax dollars by the government, they think the leaders of the church will not do much better.
The church needs funds to operate and maintain its structures. The Barna Group has reported that church giving and tithing in recent years have shown a steady decline. The Barna research notes several reasons people do not tithe: (1) They withhold money because they do not see a sufficient return on their investment. (2) They do not understand how their gifts are making a difference in the world. (3) They are unaware of the financial needs of the church. (4) They are unaware of what the Bible teaches about our responsibility to give financially to the church. (5) Some are selfish and their priorities revolve around their personal needs and desires.
One couple expressed their motivation to give this way, “We love to give because we have learned that we get blessed when we give to God. Although most of our giving goes to the local church, we don't give to a church. We don't give to the pastor. We give our offering to God alone. In fact the Bible teaches us to give, for our own good and for our own blessing, from a cheerful heart.”
What does the Bible say about giving? First and foremost, God want us to give because it shows that we recognize He is truly the Lord of our lives. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17) Giving is a vital part of spiritual formation and maturity. It requires two things of us:
Faith
Giving is an active expression of our faith. It recognizes God as the True Provider. It affirms our confidence in His ability to supply all we need. It is an act of gratitude and dependence. And, it allows us to partner with God in His work of "helping and directing us" in searching out and saving souls through our church activities and through mission evangelism around the world.
Faithfulness
Giving requires the highest standard of personal integrity and discipline. It is not a casual or occasional thing. In 2 Corinthians 8-9, the Bible teaches we are to give willingly, generously, and cheerfully. Our pattern should reflect a regular and systematic plan. In Malachi 3:10, we learn God’s standard of the tithe, or first tenth, being set apart in all of our earnings as a gift to God.
Through our tithes and offerings, we prove faithful in the stewardship of all God has provided for us.
More on the subject of Giving next week. Until then... be in prayer about your personal perspectives on giving to God in support of saving souls... The Great Commission.
