Each of us know stories of how people have influenced the world through their ability to give. Some of these stories have changed the lives of a few people, while others have changed the course of nations. Giving is a must.  God desires that we be in a constant state of giving.  We should be continually praying that God reveal ways that we can give our time, talents, and treasures away for the glory of God. Without a heart that longs to give - relationships are broken, jobs are lost, and societies crumble.  Just like most things, there is a balance to giving.  This balance doesn’t look the same for each of us, but we need to filter our giving through the lens of scripture and the counsel of the Spirit of God.  Lets examine scripture and ask the Spirit to reveal how He is desires we give.

The Widow’s Offering

⁴¹ Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. ⁴² But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

⁴³ Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. ⁴⁴ They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”  
Mark 12:41-44N (NIV)

What do we learn about God? 

What do we learn about man?

Is there and example to follow?

Is there a command to obey?

What should we give to God?

We should give God our time, talents, and treasures. Scripture clearly indicates that we are to model our life after Christ, who gave everything to give us a relationship with God.  Modeling that could be difficult for us to conceptualize.  One of the best ways to model our lives after Christ is to offer our lives as a living sacrifice.  There is no more practical way to be a living sacrifice than to give of our time, talents, and treasures. Check out the T3 Assessment to better understand how God desires to use your time, talents, and treasures for the glory of God.

Why should we give to God? 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

We should give because God has given us abundant life.  When we understand what Jesus gave us, the things that we have become resources to point others to receiving salvations, God’s abundance. Scripture reminds us that as we give generously we receive generously. Not necessarily monetarily, although not excluding it, but more of a spiritual reward that deposits the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

How do we give to God? Matthew 6:1-4 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

We should give respectfully, cheerfully, and not under compulsion. Giving is never about us.  It’s about tapping into how God wants to use our life to point others to him. We give because God has given us abundant life. Tapping into what God wants to do through us should be a joyous occasion.  It gives us the opportunity to be the conduit that God uses to meet needs.

Who do we give to? Acts 4:34-35

We should give to all who have need. The combination of our time, talents, and treasures surrendered to the leadership of the Spirit of God can have an exponential impact on the world. There are no limits to what God can do to meet needs through people that are willing to give it all for the kingdom of God.

Prayer
Lord everything I have is yours.  Teach me to give.  Show me needs that I can help with my time and money.