When we approach the topic of giving, it’s important to know that it’s not just financial resources that we are talking about. Equally important is the good stewardship of our time and the talents that God has blessed each of us with. When we give to the Lord as an expression of love from a genuinely grateful heart, our giving becomes an act of worship. Using the time, talents and treasure he has given us to bless the lives of others is worship and it honors God.
Sharing Your Time and Talents
How do we share our time and talents? By becoming active participants in the ministries of the church. When you invest your time and talents in others, you not only improve the lives of those around you, you also invite and allow God to bless you in wonderful and unexpected ways. Every member of our body is equipped by God to minister to others in unique ways. To find out how you can share your time and talents, contact the Servant Ministry. They have the tools and encouragement that can get you on your way to meaningful and fulfilling ministry involvement.
Storing Treasure in Heaven
In addition to our time and talents, sharing our treasure is also an important part of our Christian growth. In Old Testament times, God’s people were required to give the first tenth of their harvest or income to God’s work. This first tenth is called firstfruits, or the tithe, and the contribution of this first ten percent of one’s income is known as tithing.
Today many people still use the tithe as their guideline for giving back to God. However, while firstfruits is a sound biblical guide in how we give and what we give, it no longer is the sole standard by which we determine our giving.
The life and teachings of Jesus construct a different foundation for giving. At the heart of this teaching is the understanding that we are not the permanent owners of what God provides for us (time, talents and treasures), but rather temporary stewards of God’s provision.
One of the most fundamental concepts regarding Christian giving is simply this: God owns it all. Everything we have and everything we are, are gifts entrusted to us by a loving and generous God. God owns and we manage.
This New Testament teaching encourages Christians to keep only the portion of their income that is necessary to provide for them and their dependents so that they do not become a burden on society. But the balance of their resources are to be used for God’s work and deeds of charity.
At first glance this may seem limiting, but as the truth of this principle sinks in, it actually becomes liberating. When we learn to regard “our” possessions as belonging to God, we can develop a joyful sense of freedom from the instinct of possessiveness. Only then can we view our possessions as divine entrustments placed in our care for the purpose of ministry. And only then does giving become a spontaneous and joyful heart response to God’s love and generosity.
The Biblical measure for giving is to be found in a grateful heart, not in an electronic calculator or a set of rules. Jesus teaches us to be generous with our time and resources.
We encourage you to consider your giving prayerfully and to contribute joyfully to God’s work through the church. Here are three simple steps to help you get started:
1. Pray - First, pray for God’s leading. Decide that you want to honor God by consistently giving back to him a portion of what he blesses you with. Ask God to speak to your heart and to guide you in growing in this important aspect of your relationship with him.
2. Plan - Next, take some time to really evaluate your lifestyle and needs. Identify excesses or unneeded burdens on your financial resources. Prayerfully adjust your financial picture so that you are able to give in the manner that you have decided. If you would like some help in evaluating your financial situation, contact our Care Ministry They can arrange for you to meet with someone who can help you with the basics of sound financial planning.
3. Start - It’s important to get started. We encourage you to honor God with your firstfruits and to start by giving back to Him the first tenth of your income. As your giving habits develop, be sensitive to the opportunities and challenges that God will place before you to stretch you and bless you through your growing generosity.
By prayerfully seeking God’s wisdom in the area of giving, and through faithfully following his direction, you too will come to discover what an exciting adventure it is to trust in the Lord’s provision and to enjoy the blessing and freedom of generous giving.
Learn More about Giving
To journey deeper into the topic of Christian giving, read The Treasure Principal by Randy Alcorn. This and other books about giving are available for checkout in the Resource Center. Additional information and resources are also available at www.generousgiving.org.