How much do you trust God? Have you evaluated your actions to help answer that question? Are you willing to depend on God to provide each meal you eat? Or do you store up for tomorrow?
Our American culture has become a culture of hoarding. Think not? Many of our households have enough food on the shelves to feed ourselves for a couple weeks or more. We have enough clothing to wear a different outfit every day for a month.
Let’s ask another question. How much of what we have are we willing to give away? Only 5% of churchgoers tithe. If every Christian gave 10%, churches nationwide would be given $139 billion per year.
Our churches are shrinking, due in part to a lack of resources. It isn’t all about the money, but it takes money to hire human resources to do the work that needs to be done. Volunteers working a couple hours per week is barely enough to hang on.
When we trust God to provide for our every personal need, we can then donate more to God’s work. Some have argued that we are not required to give ten percent. We can argue the Old Testament doesn’t apply, but it is obvious Jesus thought it did. God still wants our first fruits. He still wants our best effort. Does He require it? No. Neither do parents require their kids to give them birthday presents, but they love receiving them.
I pray we all reevaluate how much we trust God. I pray we take a hard look at what we are giving to the church. I pray each one of us will give of our time, skills, talents, and money to carry out God’s work. Use your blessings wisely. Use your blessings to serve others. Give back to God. Give to his church. Please God with your gifts.
2 Corinthians 9:10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.
Marty Pressey 