As you look at the title of this blog a few things probably come to your mind. One of them is diet. Another one along that same vein is fasting. Then as you think a little longer the word discipline comes into your thinking. These are all good things for us to do and yes, they all are words that tend to lower your spirit.
The topic today is none of those. It is the word giving. Please keep reading. Just the mention of that word makes you protect your wallet. Of all the sermons preached and of all the Christian topics that come your way, whenever the topic of giving is encountered it makes you squirm.
It helps when Christian pastors, missionaries, and workers mention the word just change your view of giving. A correct view of giving to the Lord’s work makes all the difference in the world. An unknown author said it this way: “When we place our contribution in the offering plate, we are not giving to the Lord; we are just taking our hands off what belongs to Him.” Stop! Read that last sentence one more time, slowly. When you realize that every penny you have actually belongs to Christ, it is easier to give. Getting the thought that all, and I mean all, of your money is Christ’s, changes everything with relation to how you give.
Having right thinking about your earthly possessions is very important in relation to giving. You actually own nothing. Nothing. Scripture is clear on this fact: “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17; NASV). Anything, and everything, good you have on earth is a gift from Christ. He gave it all to you.
So, as Christ gave you everything, when you give to Christ you are just returning a small about of what He gave you. You are just the custodian of Christ’s goods. Give freely!
