When you hear the words, “You should increase your giving,” you may think that this sounds like advice loaded with self-interest, but it’s not.
I won’t pretend that increased giving won’t help the church carry out its mission more effectively. But I want you to realize that the greatest impact your giving will have is in your own life. Being a giver changes you. It changes your priorities.
That’s why Jesus said, “Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.” (Matthew 6:21 NLT)
The Bible says we should give ten percent of our income to God’s work — if you aren’t already, I encourage you to start, because the Bible promises a great blessing in this. Malachi 3:10 NLT says “… I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”
However, I want you to recognize that your giving should not be limited to the money you put in the offering plate. I encourage you to give every day of your life, even if you don’t get credit, or a receipt for income tax purposes.
For example, you probably know a family that could use a little help, maybe with a utility bill, maybe with a car repair, maybe with some clothes for the kids. In the quietest way possible, see what you can do to help someone. You’ll be amazed at how becoming a giver changes your heart, your attitude, and even your life.
Some time ago, I read most of the book, The Year of Living Biblically by, A.J. Jacobs. Jacobs is an agnostic, a secular Jew with no religious background. As an experiment, he decided to try to live according to all the laws of the Bible — specifically the laws of the Old Testament. For one year, he was determined to follow the letter of the law to the best of his ability. This included practices such as not shaving, not mixing cotton and wool, not eating unclean foods, and many others. Two weeks into his experiment, he tackled the practice of tithing. After making donations to several organizations, he wrote in his journal:
“As I gave away money, I think I might have felt God’s pleasure. I know: I’m agnostic. But still — I feel His pleasure… I feel like I am doing something I should have been doing all my life.”
This is possibly what St. Francis of Assisi meant when he said, “It is in giving that we receive.” It’s almost certainly what Solomon meant when he said, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV) Becoming a giver changes your heart, your attitude and your life. Check it out – it’s true!
I invite you to join in on the Sabbath School lesson study for this quarter. It’s entitled “Managing for the Master.” In fact, it was a discussion in Sabbath School last week where I got the idea for this article. Dr. Reid, the lesson author, shares foundational principles and a holistic approach to biblical stewardship that are teaching me a lot. Like me, you might be challenged by what you learn, but I think, like me, you will be blessed.
Bill Ochs, Planned Giving & Trust Services Director, Stewardship Ministry Coordinator