Faithfulness in our Finances
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NLT)
Imagine you saw a farmer who never planted a seed sitting around waiting for vegetables to grow. You’d scratch your head because you know the principle: you sow first, then reap. This is the same principle God applies to our finances. It’s easy to say that I'll start tithing once I get in a better situation or get another promotion. We are waiting for God to be faithful to us without sowing anything. The more we give, the more we give God the chance to show His faithfulness to us.
When it comes to tithing, God isn’t putting you to the test to see what you’re made of. He’s putting you to the test to show you what He’s made of! It’s essential, though, that we don’t give reluctantly or out of compulsion. Instead, we give as our way of showing our faithfulness to God. I cannot say God is first in my life and not have Him first in my finances. When you have a hobby you love, you give your resources, time and money to it. If we love God, we’ll give Him our resources, time and money.
The Bible tells us that we’re stewards of our finances. This means that everything we have is God’s and we’ve been entrusted with it. If I view everything as God’s, it would be easier for me to tithe. Oftentimes, we can think, well, God didn’t go to work for me. God didn’t build this company or put the long hours in. True, but where do your opportunities come from? Where did your natural skills and abilities come from? When we slow down and look around, we understand that every good and perfect gift is from above.
Finances reveal where our trust is, because nothing gives us more security, or insecurity, than finances. If I view everything as God's, He has enough to care for me. My job is to be faithful and give what He places on my heart. If you have never given before, start giving regularly. If you give regularly, pray about giving your tithe or 10%. If you are giving your tithe, pray about Spirit-led giving, where you ask God what percentage He may be calling you to give. Just remember this truth: You can never outgive God. He is the most generous person in the whole universe.
APPLICATION: Every good and perfect gift is from above. Your job is to steward it.
PRAYER: Everything we have is from God, so ask God to help you be generous because He’s generous. Spend time asking God what He might be calling you to give from your finances, or to encourage what you’re already contributing. Ask Him to help make clear your next step in being faithful with your finances.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?