Money Matters: Devotions From Time of GraceSýnishorn

Giving Money God’s Way: Joy Do you love paying taxes? I didn’t think so. Tax time is no fun for me either. I put it off as long as I can. I dread the tedious chore of filling out all the ever-changing forms. I dread not having had enough wages withheld and finding out that there will be no refund because I owe a lot more. I dread getting the official IRS letter informing me that my paperwork had mistakes and that I owe still more, plus interest, of course. Does the passing of the basket in church remind you of tax time? Is it a “hafta” thing for you? Please don’t ever think of giving money to God as a “hafta.” It’s a “wanna.” St. Paul never got tired of proudly describing the inspirational attitude of the low-income congregation members in Macedonia: “Out of the most severe trial, their [the Macedonian Christians] overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. . . . Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. . . . They gave themselves first to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:2-5). Jesus brings me joy. Giving to Jesus brings me joy.