FAITHFULNESS IN OUR FINANCES
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.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NLT)
Imagine you saw a farmer who never planted a seed sitting around waiting for vegetables to grow. You would scratch your head because there is a principle that you sow first, then you reap. This is the same principle God applies to your finances. It’s easy to say, once I get in a better situation or once I get this next promotion, then I’ll start to tithe. You’re waiting for God to be faithful to you without sowing anything. The more you give, the more you give God the chance to show His faithfulness.
When it comes to tithing, God isn’t putting you to the test to see what you’re made of. He’s putting you to the test to show you what He’s made of! It’s important, though, that you don’t give reluctantly or out of compulsion. Rather you give to show your faithfulness to God. You cannot say God is first in your life and not have Him first in your finances. When you have a hobby you love, you give your resources—time and money—to that particular thing. If you love God, you will give your resources—time and money—to God.
The Bible tells us that we’re stewards of our finances. This means that everything we have is God’s, and we’ve been entrusted with it. If we view everything as God’s, it would be easier for us to tithe. We can think, Well, God didn’t go to work for me. God didn’t build this company or put the long hours in. True, but where do our opportunities come from? Where do our natural skills and abilities come from? When we slow down and look around, we understand that every good and perfect gift is from above.
Finances reveal where our trust is because nothing gives us more security or insecurity in this world than finances. If we view everything as God’s, He has more than enough to care for us. Our jobs are to be faithful to give what He places on our hearts. If you’ve never given before, start giving regularly. If you’re giving regularly, pray about giving your tithe or 10%. If you’re giving your tithe, pray about Spirit-led giving, where you ask God what specific percentage He’s calling you to give. Just remember this truth, you can never outgive God. He’s the most generous person in the whole universe.
APPLICATION: Every good and perfect gift is from above. Your job is to steward it.
PRAYER: God, Help me to be generous because You are generous. Help me to see that everything I have is from You.
Spend time asking God what He’s calling you to give from your finances or how He’s encouraging you with what you already give. Ask Him to make your next step in being faithful with your finances clear.