The conventional wisdom in preacher conversation is, “If you want visitors in church, preach about money.” The sequel is, “If you do, you will never see them again.” For that reason, some will avoid the subject or become apologetic.
Giving is a theological issue. Those who are born of the Spirit and filled with the Spirit lead the world in giving as a direct result of the Spirit. It is inescapable! When the power of the Spirit is applied in those who come to God for salvation, he becomes a new man. A large banner hung on the wall in my boyhood church on which 2 Corinthians 5:17 emblazoned, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” Nothing should affect Spirit-filled people more aversely than having someone assume that they have not learned to follow the Spirit, that they are reluctant to give. Pentecostal people are givers by virtue of being born of the Spirit and filled with the Spirit. In short, the “getter” become a “giver.” Paul wrote to the Ephesian church, “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” (4:28) Giving is both evidence that a person is truly born of the Spirit and a gift of the Spirit needed in the congregation.
True spiritual giving is an investment. If one gives something away, no return is expected. The gift is gone. But, when one gives to God’s work, God promises a return. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38) Conventional wisdom says, “Someday, when I have more, I’ll give.” Listen to Paul’s accolade for the Macedonians, “We want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) Expect God to bless!
Giving is better than getting. And, by extension, spending time with givers is far better than being trapped with a getter. “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:33-35) One recommendation, we might begin asking ourselves, “How have I given today?” Or, “Who is better off because of how I spent my life today?”
Many have heard me say, repeatedly, “Dogs bark, fish swim, lions roar and Christians give.” One does not need to overcome reluctance to give in Jesus’ disciples, unless the need presented is spurious. Spirit-filled people have an extra spiritual sense and discern between authentic need and something lacking true substance or legitimacy. As a boy, my parents took our family to a tent meeting. My brother and I were curious and wanted to see what attracted the crowds. The ministry team sang and played an array of instruments but abruptly switched to multiple appeals for money. Each team member added manipulative pressure, insisting that a large accordion case be filled with money before prayer would be offered for the sick or a sermon be preached. Dad led our family in a hasty exit before long. My father was a man who regularly emptied his wallet for legitimate need but demonstrated no patience for what he called “those hucksters.” If the appeal is manipulative, spiritual sensitivities should be on alert.
Conversely, when the need is real and the person asking asks negatively, the one appealing is often revealing his own reluctance or lack of faith assumes others are like him. The converse is also true. Some making huge appeals, authentically and passionately, will lead others to give, surprisingly more than the stated need is given.
Let us find someone to whom we may give our lives today. Let us live to give!
No comments:
Post a Comment