Church: Giving

I know I know, a lot of people hate talking about giving to the church. I've had plenty of people rant to me saying," How dare pastor tell me to give to church." "How dare he tell me what to do with my money." I know it doesn't always feel good to have people tell you what to do, but I want to remind you that it is not your pastor telling you! It's God! Believe it or not pastors' jobs are to tell you what the Bible says. To tell you what God has in store for your life. They don't want to get you to give them money so they can get paid more, they have a set income. The more you give the more your church can do to spread God's love.

2 Timonthy 2:4

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

God has given you everything. Take the time and think about all of it. He has given you the job you have and the money you have. And you don't deserve any of it. God has given you all that you need and I'm sure he's given you a lot more. So don't say, "Who is pastor to tell me what to do with my money." Instead say, "Who am I to tell God that what He says is wrong." Because that's what you're doing when you refuse to give back to God. You are saying, "I know better than you. I am wiser than you. I deserve this money more than you." Don't be greedy with your money. Don't put your wants over the needs of others.

2 Thessalonians 1:2-3

Our God gives you everything you need, makes you everything you're to be. You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it's a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it's only right that we give thanks.

Now I'll be the first to tell you that you do not have to give every penny to God. He's not asking that either. He is asking for what you can give. He is asking for very little compared to what you have. But if you don't want to give, He's not forcing you to give. He doesn't want you to give money because you have to or because other people will look down on you if you don't. He wants you to give money because you love him, because you are thankful and grateful for all that He has done in your life. But God also provides for you. He loves you and He will never abandoned you. He wants you to give to Him first before everything else. He doesn't want you to be scared financially, but He does want you to trust in Him for all things.

2 Corinthians 9:7-8

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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

So if God isn't telling me I have to give to the church then why should I? Well, that's a simple answer, to remind yourself how undeserving you are. To remind yourself that you deserve nothing and yet Christ loved you enough to die on the cross. To remind yourself that without Christ's gift you would die a painful, eternal death. And what do you do when you receive a gift? You give thanks. Give to God to show your love, appreciation, and thankfulness, that He died on the cross, that He provides you with all you need, and that He gave you a life you could never deserve.

Proverbs 3:9

Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.