It is another opportunity to examine our hearts. It is another opportunity to take a closer look at our giving and our spending. One of my friends rightly challenge me once. He said, "Never let your living determine your giving. Always let your giving determine your living!" What he meant was that giving should never be the last thing we do, but rather the first thing that is done. And our giving should be at such a level that we have to live differently because of it.
No question these past two chapters have been focused on the amount of money we give to ministry. As always, I am challenged and convicted. How are you feeling?
Since you asked. .. I'm feeling a bit rebuked by " don't be giving out of necessity". My greatest joy in giving specifically to our church... is when I stopped to think.. and even pray.. about all the great things our church does with the funds. The wonderful worship environment that I know is bringing people to Christ! The impact being made on Indian reservations!!. .. over seas!! .. College kids!!...Youth!! Our own community!! Adopting and fostering kids in need!! Man The list goes on and on! I'm going to get back to thinking about these things while giving.... rather than just giving out of necessity. . and see what God does to my heart. Oh. . and after l4 verses of Paul teaching us about giving.. he gives us just one little itsy bitsy reminder in one short verse about what God gave us .."Thanks be to God for his INDESCRIBABLE GIFT". Wow. .. seems like that should be all the encouragement a believer would need. :)
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