Thinking about year-end duty that can lead to lifelong blessing

By Dean Collins

It is not uncommon for many to evaluate their finances at the end of the calendar year. This reflection helps us plan our budgets for the new year as well as review our giving for the year just ending. I am sure at year-end you have received letters and emails from nonprofit organizations asking for your contribution that will secure the accompanying tax deduction before the year ends.

If you give in response to one of these requests, it might be for one of several reasons. Some reasons we give:

• We believe in the mission of the organization

• We know and trust the nonprofit or ministry leader

• We want to advance the gospel

• We have been blessed and have a surplus

• Maybe we need a tax deduction

A subject I can’t ignore

As I read the Scriptures daily, I ask God to prompt me concerning the passages I write about.  Sometimes I feel as if there is so much I am learning it is hard to focus on a single lesson.  Other times I am quite sure of the thought I am directed to explore.  And sometimes I am prompted to write about something, but I really don’t want to. 

Today’s passage is one of those.  Maybe this is because it feels self-serving to write about giving when I run a Christ-centered University with financial needs.  Maybe it’s because talking about money, especially giving it away, is difficult when so much of our culture is focused on making money and enjoying the lifestyle it produces.

But I can’t ignore writing about it because God didn’t ignore the topic.  In fact, many we meet in the Bible took time to focus on giving. Just a short list for you to consider:

Moses
David
Hezekiah
Jesus
Paul

Each of these characters in the written drama of Scripture asks for contributions for ministry.  Some were focused on giving to build or adorn the tabernacle or temple.  Some were focused on providing for sacrifices and those who administered them. Some were focused on spreading the gospel and social justice issues like taking care of the widows and the poor.  And Jesus talked about money a lot because he knew that money and the stuff it buys can become an obstacle to knowing him and finding peace, joy, and eternal life.

In every case, one truth applies: Don’t give it if you want to be praised for giving it.

A passage that helps me understand

The apostle Paul outlines what could and should motivate us to give, and it is certainly not about us! And if you make it about you, well, you get what you pay for—or sow.  Paul uses a farming reference: If you give sparingly, you reap sparingly, he says. If you sow with limitations, you will get a small and limited crop.  If you are more generous in the seed planting, then you get a bigger harvest. 

However, Paul wasn’t saying give more money to get more money. Many have found that when you give generously, you seem to not run out financially. Paul, I think, was indicating that if you have a stingy attitude or give out of a sense of obligation, you don’t end up feeling very good about it and certainly don’t experience the joy of giving your gift or contribution. 

Paul says the end motivation of giving should come from a heart of gratitude for what God has provided.  And let’s be honest. God was involved in your financial blessing. You didn’t get your wealth solely on your efforts or your business savvy. There were others who helped you.  And a loving God was around whether you noticed him or not. Paul says our real motivation should be that when we give generously, God is glorified. Because in the transaction of letting go of what we have, God sees that our heart really is about others and not simply about us. 

I am 100 percent sure of this; God wants you to give yourself away and give money away so that his work can be accomplished both in your life and in many places and people he cares about.  And he cares about every place and all people. 

A conclusion I can’t doubt

I don’t know where God wants you to give.  That’s between you and God.  But he wants us all to give.  And give generously and joyfully.  Not with resentment or reserve.  God gave so generously that he gave his only Son to die on a cross for your sins and mine.  So that both of us and a whole lot more people could be forgiven and find real joy and eternal life. 

Lord, forgive us for the times we have held back when you prompted us to give.  We know you are the giver of life and all things. Be glorified through our generosity today and every day. Amen.

Your time with God’s Word
2 Corinthians 9:6-14 ESV

istockphoto.com. by wdstock
To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page.