Give Consistently
In this the final part of this series I want to discuss another way we can be faithful in a little thing, in our giving. I have had several Pastors of different stripe put it in these terms, look at giving as an extension of or even a form of worship. It is a very simple way to look at it.
1 Cor 16:2 “On the first day of the week each of you is to set aside something and save it to the extent that he prospers so that no collection need be made when I come.” NIV
2 Cor 9: 6-7 "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” NIV
I would suggest that whatever you decide in your heart to give, do it consistently. If you believe in Tithing, stick to it and be consistent. If you don’t believe tithing is for today and are of the opinion that Christ died to all the law, fulfilled all covenants, not just some of it, and are strictly “New Testament”, then I suggest you pray to God and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance on what to give and stick to it. I’m not going to argue and play scriptural ping-pong with anybody on this point. That isn’t the thrust of this message. There are Phd's and Doctors of Divinity on both side of this and I'll leave it to them to battle it out.
Listen, I know, the church has historically torn itself apart over doctrinal matters, and this is one of them, BUT, it is secondary doctrine, not essential for salvation. I have seen and heard it all concerning giving. In a future blog I will share some of my experiences. To conclude on this point, when you give, follow 2 Cor 9:7 and do so happily. I know it's tough at first but as time passes you will find yourself happy to give back part of what the LORD has given to you.
Please also remember this passage from Luke:
Luke 21:1-4
"As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.[a] "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." NIV
To review, the three “little things” I suggest are
1) Read the Word Daily
2) Set aside quiet time with the Lord; Pray daily
3) Give Consistently
As I stated in Part I, I am sure some folks can come up with other little things to do but I am sharing what works for me. It has given me a solid foundation from which to improve my walk daily. I want to walk the walk, not just talk the talk and it is my desire to help you do the same. I am confident that if you start with these ‘little things’ the Lord will move in our lives and strengthen us. He will endow us with blessings beyond our comprehension both here and in Heaven. Does this imply smooth sailing, that our lives will be trouble free? Absolutely not! If all is sunshine then we live in a desert and we learn nothing and can't possibly grow in our walk. Always keep in mind that there are many true believers around the globe who are undergoing horrendous persecution and dying for Christ. Be aware of this at all times and you won’t fall into an entitlement trap. (Another subject for another day). The only thing we know for sure is that we have a savior and as believers we have a place reserved for us in Heaven.
Until the next time, may the LORD bless us and keep us. In Jesus name I pray.
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