God calls us to give…even the money “we have earned”. Will shares how and why He follows Jesus’ command to give (and how you can too) – even when it’s not easy.

Scripture

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” 

Matthew 6:2-4

Reflect

“Money can’t buy happiness.” We have all probably heard lots of people say that. But, if I am being honest, I protect my money as if it can. My natural inclination is to hold and protect “what I have earned” so I can do everything I want to do. But as a follower of Christ, I am called to give.

Giving… it is something that doesn’t come naturally for me. My wife, Melissa, is much better at it! For example, Melissa encourages me to give away our Texas A&M football tickets we don’t use instead of selling them to the highest bidder. Through both my relationship with the Lord growing and watching Melissa’s example (Sometimes she has to nudge me pretty strongly), I have learned and grown in this area in big ways!

Should we give? Why should we give? How much should we give?

1. Giving is both mandatory and voluntary! What a paradox! The verse above is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. You notice it doesn’t say “if” you give to the needy but WHEN. Giving is not just an Old Testament practice. Jesus tells us to give! But 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion.” Giving is commanded by God but also willingly given by each.
2. Giving is an act of worship. Jesus’ words remind me that the Lord “sees what is done in secret.” When we give, we aren’t just adding to the church budget or blessing other people, we are giving up an offering of thanks to the Lord – acknowledging that He is the ultimate provider of it all. Giving is an act of worship.
3. Give according to your means. How much do I give? It is a hard question to give a tangible answer to. In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul encourages us to give generously according to our means. It is an opportunity for us to ask the Lord to search our heart, and for us to think generously knowing God will provide!

Even when giving means we sacrifice some comforts or enjoyable experiences, we can rest assured it is worth it!  We can remember the One who sacrificed it all for us!

Camper Corner

Imagine your family giving you $50. Think of ways you can give at least some of this to others.  Are there ways where this money could increase even…what if you challenged a friend to give as much as you’re giving??