Living an Ordinary Week: Seeing God in SimplicitySýnishorn

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Paychecks offer opportunities. As we access money, we face decision time. What will I buy? How much should I save? Another question needs to be asked prior to those two. What should I give? While God is in no need of money, He challenges us to trust Him with ours. That challenge tests our attitude.

Here are three possible attitudes to consider regarding financial giving.

1) What I have is mine and I will keep it.

2) What I have is mine and I will share it.

3) What I have, God has given to me, and I will share it.

Which statement best describes your attitude about giving? For those who hold to the third Paul’s words serve as a refresher strengthening a healthy perspective. For those who hold to the second option generosity may come easily; however, their concept of ownership will be tested by Paul. Still others hold to the first option. Paul’s words challenge both their concept of ownership and lack of generosity.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.“ (2 Corinthians 9:7)

While the mathematical calculation of 10% (a tithe) serves as a helpful baseline tool, it is incomplete. The New Testament Scriptures call for generosity. Each person who chooses to practice faithfulness in giving needs to start with a heart-felt decision. The Scriptures assist us in coming to an informed decision.

We are to give…

1) Cheerfully

2) Humbly

3) Holistically

“Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue, and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.“ (Luke 11:42)

4) Strategically

“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.” (1 Corinthians 16:2 NIV)

Question: How are spirituality and money connected?