If you are like a large percentage of the country right now, things are tight. Maybe they have always been tight or maybe the ugly turn the economy has taken has hit you especially hard. Or maybe the downturn in the economy has simply helped you to tighten up your belt, stop overspending, get rid of debt and start living within your means.
No matter the reason, many people are in a spot where there just isn’t a lot of money left over at the end of the month. But can I submit to you that this may be the most important time to add a line item to your budget for giving?
There are a lot of reasons why, not the least of which is that in hard times non-profits and churches are hit really hard by people scaling back their giving, but I think there is a more important reason.
Giving is a reminder that this money is not our own. It is a gift from God, no matter how small that gift might seem when you are balancing the checkbook. And our God trusts us to steward His money wisely. Did you know that there are more verses in the Bible about money than almost any other subject?!
He cares about money and how we spend it.
Tithing is the biblical standard of living off 90% of what we earn and giving 10% away. It is a great standard, but I believe {and I am no theologian or biblical scholar} that what is most important is giving and giving consistently. And consistently doesn’t mean scrounging around at the bottom of our purse for what is left when the offering plate passes us by.
Consistently means finding room in our budgets and honestly, in our hearts, to give a percent of what we earn to people who need it. Yes, we need it too, but there is something freeing about coming to God with an open palm and saying, “It is yours.” It lifts off the weight of our own circumstances and helps us see the need around us. It helps give us God’s eyes.
Perhaps you feel like you might as well not give anything because what you have to give can’t possibly make a difference. Maybe what you can afford to give right now seems like pennies. I truly think God is smiling upon that sacrifice and you will be blessed for it. Not necessarily financial blessing but make no mistake, you will be blessed.
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything–all she had to live on.” ~Mark 12:36-44
How have you been blessed by giving obediently even when it seemed difficult?
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I have no job, haven’t had one since 2005. My husband left my son and I and since then, haven’t seen a dime yet. I’ve been looking for a job (anything) now for a year and half.
I say all that to say this: to God be the glory! With all that’s been going on in my life, He has provided for my son and I, and when He does provide, I make sure the first fruits ALWAYS go in the offering plate. It might not be much, maybe $1, maybe $5, but I always give what is rightfully His because He gave to me even though I didn’t deserve it. His generous heart is such a blessing!
Philippians 4:19 says “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” I am so glad He does!
If you think that you can’t give God that 10%, or that your gift wouldn’t be “enough”, trust me… the amount isn’t the point; the motive/heart behind the gift IS.
What a powerful and awesome testimony you are. I am so sorry for your situation but it is clear God has blessings in store for you. And you have blessed me tonight. Thank you for your comment.
You’re welcome. God bless you!
Wow! Such an amazing testimony you have! You have encouraged my heart today, as well as convicted me for the selfish moments when I pause before giving! Clearly God is using you and blessing you for your faithfulness! Thank you for sharing!
Wow, thanks so much for sharing that. You are so right. God just wants our heart and if your heart is all in it than I know God will honor that. Thanks for having a heart for the Lord even when times are extremely difficult for you. You are a testimony.
So important, and so important for our children to see us doing!
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