Trust, Giving, and Letting Go

Weekday Posts
Written By Dean Collins

By Dean Collins

Over the years I have been in many conversations with those who follow Christ who are wrestling with how much we should give to the Lord. Often the issue is that many believe that God is challenging them to tithe. The follow up question is whether they should tithe on their gross or net income. I understand the discussion, but I think that we have a bigger issue. Will we trust the Lord to provide for us when we are obedient to whatever amount he calls us to give?

Back in Exodus 36, we find a remarkable situation. After repenting of their sin of worshiping the golden calf, the Israelites continued to provide the supplies needed to build and adorn the tabernacle. Maybe their guilt motivated their giving. Maybe their hearts were opening to realize all that God had provided. But whatever their motivation, they gave so much that Moses told them to stop: 

 “’The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.’ So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, ‘Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.’ So the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.”

As we think about this passage, I wonder if it speaks to how much we are to give. Could it be that instead of trying to figure out whether we give from our gross or net income, we should simply give until the Lord tells us to stop? His generosity to us never stops or fails. It just might be that our biggest issue is not how much we should give but rather how much we trust the Lord to provide.

 Father, forgive us of our stubbornness and selfishness as we try to keep a grip on our resources instead of trusting you to provide. Open our hearts that we might be generous in every way and with everything you have provided. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Your Time with God’s Word
Exodus 36:1-7 ESV

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Dean Collins

Pastor, campus minister, counselor, corporate employee, Fortune 500 consultant, college president—Dean brings a wide range of experiences and perspectives to his daily walk with God’s Word. 

In 1979 he founded Auburn Christian Fellowship, a nondenominational campus ministry that still thrives today. In 1989 he founded and became executive director for New Directions Counseling Center, a service that grew to include several locations and counselors. In 1996 he became vice president of human resources for the CheckFree Corporation (3,000 employees) till founding DC Consulting in 1999. He continues part-time service with that company, offering executive leadership coaching, organizational effectiveness advice, and help with optimizing business relationships.

His latest pursuit, president of Point University since 2006 (interim president 2006-2009), has seen the college grow in enrollment, curriculum, physical campus, and athletic offerings. He led the school’s 2012 name change and relocation from Atlanta Christian College, East Point, Georgia, to Point University in West Point, Georgia. Meanwhile, he serves as board member or active volunteer with several nonprofits addressing issues ranging from global immunization to local government and education. 

He lives in Lanett, Alabama, with his wife, Penny. He has four children (two married) and five grandchildren. He plays the guitar, likes to cook, and enjoys getting outdoors, often on a nearby golf course. 

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Giving What God Gave First