It's a Heart Condition
Giving is probably the most important yet difficult conversation to have in one’s faith journey. Giving has taken on a different context throughout history. It has come to be something that is all about us and how wonderful we care for others. The reality of biblical giving is that it is a matter of trust and priority to our creator. It’s saying “God I know you are good and I trust you with all I have.” While Jesus was sitting in the synagogue with his disciples, Mark records this exchange:
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 few cents.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, 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 12:41-44)
It wasn’t the amount of money that made the gift special. It was the heart of the woman who gave it. It was all she had and she gave it to God. Chris Tomlin puts it this way: In Your everlasting arms. All the pieces of my life. From beginning to the end, I can trust You. In Your never failing love. You work everything for good. God, whatever comes my way, I will trust You. (Sovereign)
How we give is much more important than how much we give. It’s a condition of the heart that gives priority to the one who gave it all to us in the first place. One of the wisest men in biblical history was King Solomon and he wrote these two proverbs: Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10). One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:24-25)
Refreshment for our souls can be found when we refresh others. Our wealth will become overflowing when we begin to honor God with it. To make him the priority and give Him the control over our financial lives. Giving and tithing is not about a number… It’s about giving God priority in every area of our lives.
Where can you give him priority in your financial life this week? Do you honor Him with the first? Where can you start today?
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 few cents.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, 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 12:41-44)
It wasn’t the amount of money that made the gift special. It was the heart of the woman who gave it. It was all she had and she gave it to God. Chris Tomlin puts it this way: In Your everlasting arms. All the pieces of my life. From beginning to the end, I can trust You. In Your never failing love. You work everything for good. God, whatever comes my way, I will trust You. (Sovereign)
How we give is much more important than how much we give. It’s a condition of the heart that gives priority to the one who gave it all to us in the first place. One of the wisest men in biblical history was King Solomon and he wrote these two proverbs: Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10). One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:24-25)
Refreshment for our souls can be found when we refresh others. Our wealth will become overflowing when we begin to honor God with it. To make him the priority and give Him the control over our financial lives. Giving and tithing is not about a number… It’s about giving God priority in every area of our lives.
Where can you give him priority in your financial life this week? Do you honor Him with the first? Where can you start today?
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