Last Sunday Julie and I talked about our journey in regards to giving. We thought we had our giving sorted. Generally speaking we gave 10% of all of our income to our ‘storehouse’ which we understand to be the local church – the community where we were Spiritually nourished. However, although we have seen amazing provision and blessing in our lives through following the principle of ‘tithing’ we have come to understand that the scriptures encourage us not to simply follow rules and laws but instead workout our giving through relationship with the Holy Spirit. Also, giving in the 21st century can become a bit mechanical by simply giving by an automated bank transfer. Finally, there also doesn’t seem to be much room for faith when our giving is by routine rather than relationship with our God.
The challenge then for us (and one I am now presenting to you) is when was the last we prayed about our giving and invited God to speak to us in this area? As a married couple when was the last time we sat down and chatted about what we felt God was saying? Our responsibility is not only as Christians to regularly allow God in to this conversation but also as members of CBBC. Our membership agreement has always said that as members we will faithfully give so what does that look like for us practically?
Anyone who has been part of CBBC for the past few years will know that we are not a church who pushes giving or takes up lots of offerings but every so often I think it’s good for us to revisit our attitude to giving and at least make sure we let God into this important area of our lives. In the following verse the Apostle Paul challenges us on this very point; to decide in our heart what to give and then do it with joy – my prayer is that we all become joyful and purposeful in our giving.
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Cor 9: 6-7