The Gift Of You: How Living Generously Reflects The Heart Of GodSample

Practicing Discernment

Ann and Daniel were part of a young ministry that didn't have its own building. The rental arrangement was complicated, forcing them to move regularly. While many people longed to purchase their own building to avoid these frustrations, the cost of land and construction was high, and they knew it would take years of saving.

One day the ministry's leadership learned about an opportunity to partner with another ministry in the construction of a nearby building. The ministry that Ann and Daniel were a part of wouldn’t share ownership of the property, but they would secure the right to lease the building long term by helping to pay for construction. The upfront cost would stretch their ministry, and they would still have to pay monthly rent, but they would avoid many of the frustrations of their current situation.

The down payment was well above their ministry's cash on hand, so their leaders started a campaign to raise the money. Ann and Daniel felt tremendous pressure to participate, but something held them back. 

They both felt concern that their ministry’s leaders had rushed into the agreement without taking adequate time for prayer and discernment. They also had specific concerns about the wisdom of the business arrangement and the size of the down payment.

Ann and Daniel met with one of their ministry’s leaders to ask some questions and express their concern. Unfortunately the conversation only reinforced their apprehension. Ann and Daniel finally decided to part ways with the ministry due to their concerns.

A few years later, Ann and Daniel learned that the ministry had indeed run into serious financial trouble down the road and that some key leaders had been asked to step down as a result.

What can we learn from this story? God is pleased by generosity, but He also wants us to be wise. 

Sometimes this requires asking questions to determine how our money, resources or time will be used. One great way to discover a ministry’s fiscal responsibility is to see if they have seals from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and Guidestar. Other times it’s simply a matter of asking God for discernment before making a particular decision.

Either way, learning more about God's character through Scripture and growing in our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit are critical to becoming wise and generous stewards.

Things to Ponder:

• Have you ever felt God telling you not to give toward a particular request, whether it was giving of your time, your talents or your treasure?
• Why do you think giving may not be the right choice in certain situations?
• What are some ways you can confirm God’s will for a particular giving opportunity?