What Does It Actually Mean to Give?
These days when someone talks about tithing or giving, especially in church, most people start looking down at the ground or looking at their phones. Others might dash for the exits. Why is that? Is it because most people are convicted that they sit in the seats and participate in programs, yet contribute very little to the ongoing mission of the church? Recent church stats reveal some troublesome information. For example, a recent survey found the following:
- Tithers make up anywhere from 10-25% of most congregations
- 5% tithe and 80% of Americans give 2% of their income or less
- 17% of Americans say they regularly tithe
- For families making $20K or less, 8% regularly tithe
- For families making over $75K, the number drops to 1%
- 37% of church members and regular attenders don’t give anything
- 77% of tithers give 11-25% of their income
These statistics are not only shocking, but sad, for the state of the church. As believers, we are told to give of our time, talent, and treasure. Regrettably, for Christians, we have trouble surrendering these parts of our lives. A lot of people talk about a problem with money, but in reality, it is a spiritual problem. I’m not interested in the debate of whether the tithe is for New Testament believers today. The reality is we aren’t under the Old Testament law. However, the standard Jesus set for the New Covenant was actually higher than the requirements of the Old Testament tithe. The best definition I have ever heard regarding giving is that it is a willing self-sacrifice as a result of our personal relationship with Christ. This is not unlike our relationships with our loved ones, whereby we love them and serve them because we care about them, not out of obligation. Biblical giving is NOT about getting a return on our investment from God, in contrast to those that would argue the “give to get” philosophy.
The fact is that everything we have belongs to God. Scripture says we are just stewards. We are gatekeepers of the finances we have. If God asked us for a yearly financial statement for how money was spent, what would it reveal about us? It’s convicting, isn’t it? It is hard to come before His throne with petitions and prayers when we don’t even trust Him enough with our wallet. We all have heard the same excuses, “I don’t make enough money, I have two kids in college, etc.” We can always come up with any excuse to direct money where we want it to go. The truth is there is a reason that the Bible talks about giving God the first fruits. God doesn’t need our money. I Timothy 6:17-18 says, “God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy…wants us to be generous and ready to share.” In Acts 2-4, we find that the early Christians were selling their possessions and giving to all the brethren in need. Part of the principle of giving is faith and trust in Him. Think of how believers could demonstrate the power of God if we just gave sacrificially like they did.
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[quote bar=”true” align=”center”]The fact is that everything we have belongs to God. Scripture says we are just stewards. We are gatekeepers of the finances we have.[/quote]
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Most people think the only form of giving is money. However, there is a reason we are called to give of our time and talents as well. Each of us are called to be involved “players” in this field of life. That involves ministering to others in so many ways. Our family got involved a few years back by supporting a small ministry that clothes the homeless. There are literally hundreds of ministries to help. Check out your church ministry team or a local charity.
We all have at least one spiritual gift. We are called to use those gifts in the service of the Kingdom. Those gifts could be in a number of areas from administration to leadership. It is a necessity to find out your spiritual gifts if you don’t already know. Chances are someone that knows you could tell you what your gifts are! Lifeway has a good assessment. Here’s the link: www.lifeway.com/lwc/files/lwcF_MYCS_030526_Spiritual_Gifts_Survey.pdf
The bottom line is to know them and use them!
Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
How can we give of our time, talent, and treasure? I would suggest the 10-10-10 rule. This involves starting out with giving just 10 percent of your income as a start. I’m not a legalist with regard to the tithe or tenth. I actually think it means to give sacrificially. For some, that could mean quite a bit more than ten percent. However, God cares more about our attitude of giving than the amount we give.
Second, give ten hours a month to a ministry. That sounds like a lot, but that is one percent of the time we have in an average month. It could be working at a homeless shelter, being involved in a community group, or some other ministry. The rewards of ministering to others are immense and will allow you to appreciate the blessings you enjoy.
Finally, give ten hours a month of your talent. After taking the assessment in the above link, you now know what your best means of service is to others. Now put it to good use! We are called to be participants in service and the use of these gifts are vital to the body of Christ. You are the only one that can use your gift.
God wants our total surrender to Him. Giving involves the whole trio of time, talent, and treasure. Remember, you can’t out give God. In the final analysis, if we trust Christ for our salvation and eternity we must trust Him with all we have been given. God loves a cheerful giver!
S. Montgomery