|
"But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."
(2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
Dr. Charles Stanley asked the following question when he began his message on biblical stewardship: "What comes to mind when you think of finances?" He said there are many things that may first pop into your head when you hear this question: what you have, owe, your needs, desires, etc. But what about asking, "How much more can I give?" We either look to gain more or give more. Ironically, those who seek to give more and bless others end up far more blessed than those who are only interested in getting more. Giving is all about trusting God. If He can put a rainbow in the sky, cause the sun to rise, and create life, then He surely can take care of us. God does not need us, but He wants us to trust and honor Him with our possessions.
The Apostle Paul said if we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly, and if we sow bountifully then we will reap bountifully. God loves a cheerful giver. The Greek word translated "cheerful" is hilaros, from which we get the English word "hilarious". This is a biblical principle that proves true every time. Or stated another way, you and I simply cannot outgive God! God will never be a debtor to anyone. Stanley said, "It is foolish to not give God what He requires. We cannot make a debtor out of God. But it boils down to this: Do I believe it or not? God will give you more when you give Him more. The only way to find out and be convinced is to try it. If you have a need, then it is time to give more!"
After our weekly prayer meeting last Wednesday evening, I was talking with two of our members at Great Hills Baptist Church. These people love the Lord and their church. I told one of them when I listened to Dr. Stanley's sermon on giving, I thought of her. She lives out what she believes and is generous toward the things of God. The other person chimed in and said every time he thinks he is generous and gives more, God just keeps on blessing him with more. Both of these dear saints of God are living examples of the truth Paul taught in today's biblical text.
Dr. Stanley said that he has always practiced tithing and then some. Even as a young boy delivering newspapers on his route, he gave. He said when he upped his giving, God gave him more. My wife Ashley and I also obey the Scripture and give our tithes to our local church. We also enjoy giving above the tithe to other ministries that support missional causes. We both can testify to the goodness of God and His pouring out blessings upon us far more than what we have given. Why is this? Why is it that those who give and are generous toward the things of God are blessed? The answer is simple. The biblical principle that proves true every time is, you simply cannot outgive God. He even tells us to test Him or try Him on this matter of giving the tithe and see if He will not pour out blessings upon us (Malachi 3:10).
|
Apple
Spotify
Stitcher
YouTube
