PM - Article: Giving...an Act of Worship

Giving...an Act of Worship
By Steve Schwartz

When you start to talk about giving, you touch on a core area in people’s lives. It has been said that to know what is really important to someone, look at their checkbook. That statement is probably true, but unfortunately most of us who hear it soon start to feel condemned.

The problem is that many of us view parting with our money and other resources as a negative action, rather than an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the work of the Kingdom of God. The Bible teaches us that the earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord. We are simply managers of resources that God has entrusted to us.

Once we truly gain this perspective in our lives, our view of giving drastically changes. The question is no longer, "How much of my money am I going to give to God’s work?" but rather "How much of God’s money am I going to keep for my own needs?" Therefore, each spending decision or giving decision is a holy one and must be made with much care and discernment.

Here are few items to keep in mind as you make giving decisions:

1. As you respond to appeals for gifts, remember, condemnation is not from the Lord. There are many good causes and you can’t possibly support every single one. It is okay to limit the number of causes you support. In fact, sometimes you are freed to make a larger impact for the causes dearest to your heart.

2. Just do what God is calling you to do. Do no more and no less. Be sensitive to His leading in your giving decisions.

3. When you give, do so with joy! What a privilege to take part in the work of the kingdom. Isn’t it wonderful to promote world missions, or to lift up the poor, or to participate in the work of your local church? My parents, who have been missionaries, tell stories of church services in central Africa where persons bring goats, food and money (whatever is valued in their society) and lift them over their heads with shouts of joy as they give their offerings. Do we enjoy parting with the possessions God has entrusted to us this much? Do we get excited about participating in the work of the Kingdom as we write out our tithe check? Let’s worship God with all of our lives, and have that be reflected through our giving.

4. Give to worthy organizations in which you believe and trust. When a ministry or need interests you, call the organization and learn more about what they do and how they do it. Ask to come for a visit to get a first hand glimpse of their work. Consider extending your impact by volunteering for needs they may have. The more you put into the relationship with the organization, the more you will enjoy being a partner in their work.

It is clear that God has given us a great challenge to reach the world with the Gospel, to care for the poor and to be guided by the Holy Spirit in all our decisions. By fulfilling this call, the Creator of the heavens and the earth will be glorified.

Three part series on the importance we place on the support we receive from the surrounding community:
Article #1: Giving...an Act of Worship
Article #2: Service...an Act of Obedience
Article #3: Prayer...an Act of Dependence

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