Giving

I’ve heard about giving back to the Lord since I was a young child. My parents modeled tithing to our local church.  They also taught me about giving. The Old Testament taught tithing to the Lord. The early church taught about giving. I believe that “tithing” and “giving” are related for sure.

Paul teaches the church in Corinth about giving. I believe that tithing is a firm principle taught through out scripture. One really important lesson, I learn in giving is; its about trust in the Lord. It’s about me surrendering what I thought was mine (it really wasn’t) in the first place. Check this out….

1 Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 3 Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. (1 Corinthians 16:1-3 NIV)

One really big point in giving is: Everything I have belongs to the Lord! I am simple a manager of what He has blessed me with. Giving becomes part of my management strategy. I personally believe that the tithe (10%) is a great place to start just like is believe a 10% tip is a great place to start for blessing the server who waits on my table.  Years ago when I was a student pastor and some of my students starting waiting tables I became a generous tipper. I believe it’s a principle at stake – to honor others above myself. I also believe what Zig Ziglar has said over the years: “If you help other people get what they want in life, then you can get what you want in life.” (something to that effect)

Giving has changed me. It has changed my perspective and my “wants”. I see people who struggle to have the basic necessities such as food, shelter and water. I want to help with integrity. I’ve learned that giving is not just about money. It’s really hard to be greedy and be a giver. Greedy people want it all at the expense of everyone else.  Greedy people will steal, kill and destroy to get what it is they want or think they deserve.

I don’t like giving to beggars. These are people who evidently want something for nothing. They just want your money and lots of it. They often aren’t willing to work, just beg or pan handle. I struggle to understand that mindset.

I want to be a giver when a generous heart and a passionate mind in pursuit of God’s Will for me and my life. I want to hear Him prompt me to give in certain situations and hold back in other situations. I really want to give him all of me all the rest of my days on earth!