The Call To Give

Daily Reading: Proverbs 3:9 “Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase.”


Let's face it: It's easy for us to give out of abundance. We always feel like we have some to spare. Additionally, we have often heard of tithing as a command from Scripture, but the truth is regardless of giving your ten percent, we are called to give not just from abundance but from our faith, out of our love of Christ. Numerous passages in the Scriptures talk about giving.

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7

Here we find instruction to give cheerfully regardless of the amount. This goes hand in hand with the recognition that everything we have comes from God. In Genesis 14:17-20, Abraham acknowledges that God is greatest giver of all. Without God's generosity to us, we would have nothing. So we must give not only with cheerful hearts, but in recognition that what we are giving is not really ours to hold on to.

Numerous passages also remind us that God will provide for us. Matthew 6:31-33, for example, read: "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Our mission is to seek the Lord first, trusting Him to provide all we need. And when we see others in need and we have something we can give, we are to give with the love of Christ, recognizing that we will never run out of what we need, as long as we continue to seek Christ first. We cannot worry that our supply may run out. If we have abundance today, we are to trust in Him, and let providence provide for tomorrow.

This is not to say that it's easy to live worry free, but it should be easy to trust God after all He's done for us.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to trust in you today, as I remember all you've done for me. Help me to trust you tomorrow, knowing every day is a gift from you. Amen.

Thoughts on Worship

Have not had time to do much writing lately, as I have been consumed with a lot of other concerns between two jobs, settling into a new city, etc. Sorry about that, if anyone has been checking in regularly for posts.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Suggested Reading: Ruth 2

Ruth 2:11-12 Boaz answered her: "Everything you have done for your mother-in-law, since your husband's death has been fully reported to me: (how) you left your father and mother, and the land of your birth, and how you came to a people you didn't previously know. May the Lord reward you for what you have done and may you receive a full reward from the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge."

Ruth had taken a big risk going with Naomi. She had truly left behind everything she knew. She had truly surrendered her life to God's will. She didn't know if they'd survive the journey, let alone find a place to live or what kind of life it would be. She didn't know if they'd be accepted or outcast or where her next meal was coming from. She went because she knew it was the right thing to do, and because he love for Naomi was stronger than her love for herself.

I don't know about you but I love myself too much sometimes. I save the last piece of cake or candy for myself, perhaps. I make plans for something I really want to do without regard for what my wife wants and then drag her along. Sometimes she doesn't mind, but is this really loving her the way I should? How many times do we all put ourselves first? How different is this attitude from that of the one who died on a cross for us? Jesus put us first.

We need to constantly remember not just the price of the cross, but the attitude behind it. The sacrificial lifestyle of our Savior is one we are called to ourselves. Ruth knew what sacrificial living was all about. We need to teach ourselves, until it's our first choice, not our last choice.

Prayer: Lord, help me to follow your example and live a sacrificial life. In a world that encourages me first thinking, let me put your people first, just as you did. Amen.