In talking to the Corinthians about their promised giving to the suffering Jerusalem churches, Paul counsels them to follow through in their giving with the same initiative they showed previously when verbally committing to give. But he qualifies this act of giving with the phrase "according to your means". More literally "according to what you have". (V.10-11) The Corinthians demonstrated initiative in their generosity, and now Paul was simply asking them to follow through. In matters of giving and in any other commitments of service we make as Christians, it's important that we put our money where our mouth is. Our actions demonstrate what is really in our hearts. (Matthew 21:28-31)
But our giving does not all need to be the same amount. We are not asked to give to God what we don't have. We shouldn't use verse 12 as an excuse to give less so we can have more comforts and toys. But we can take comfort in the fact that God does not command us to give $500 a week when we only make $400. God is of infinite worth, and certainly deserves more than we have to give. He has every right to require us to do whatever it takes to present him with a flat sum of money. But God does not require us to give what we literally do not have in the bank. And God doesn't need our money to begin with. He want us to grow in our willingness to give. (v.12)
It isn't God's desire that wealthy Christians give so much that they suffer while others have it easy. God wants Christians to share their resources with the aim of all Christians having their needs met. God does not condemn us when we purchase some things that we enjoy but don't need.(1 Timothy 4:4) But we should each ask ourselves what we can do without so that the physical and spiritual needs of others can be met more effectively. (v.13) The intended design for the church community is that those who have more give more and that the church use funds to help those in need. (v.14)
Paul demonstrates how God implemented this plan himself when the Israelites wandered in the desert. They were given a food substance called Manna every day, and were instructed to collect an equal amount for each person, so that everyone had what they needed. No one was stuffing themselves and no one needed another helping. (v.15)
Despite the guidance we gain from this passage, the subject of giving is still a little nebulous. Scripture does not give a specific standard of living that we are all meant to maintain. So how can we at least get a frame of reference? Are there any clues on roughly how much we should give?
In the Old Testament we repeatedly see the pattern of giving a tenth to God's work which God approved of and even commanded. (Leviticus 27:30-32) This is where get the word "tithe". And although we are not bound to the laws practiced by or given to the nation of Israel before the death of Christ, 10% is obviously not a bad place to start. We should also remember that everything we have is a gift from God. (James 1:17) In light of this, we should spend all of our money with him in mind instead of compartmentalizing our financial life into the categories of "for God" and "for me". What we spend on ourselves we should be willing to share with others. It all belongs to God. And we should use our resources with his eternal agenda in mind. (Matthew 25:14-30)
Next Week- Churches, Church Leaders and Money
Coffee House Question- What, if anything, were you taught about giving to the church while growing up? Has your understanding of giving to the church changed since then? If so, how?
I was raised to give 10 percent, and since then have heard many thoughts on "tithe" - everywhere from giving 10 percent before taxes, "give until it hurts", prosperity gospel teachings and so forth. Since then, my wife and I have come to believe after investigation in the scripture that Christians should give, but not necessarily hold to a fixed amount every pay-period. If we see a need, we should try to meet it if financially capable. While it's important for Christians to trust in God, we also have been created with a brain to use good judgement. We also feel that giving of our time is just as important, if not more important than giving financially. God needs willing workers in the church, not people who sit in the pew and drop stuff in the offering plate.
ReplyDeleteI think you've said some really good things here, Matthew!
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame that the concept of financial giving has been twisted and gained an ugly reputation because of bad teaching. But service and financial giving are both vital.
Service, because each part of the body brings something unique. And service can be a humbling experience.
Financial giving because the pastor's gotta eat(and good pastors deserve more), the 5th graders need a classroom and the electric bill needs to be paid.
And like all aspects of the Christian life, we can hopefully see continual growth in our willingness to give, both time and money, as we mature. Regardless of where our giving pattern starts.
Thanks, Matthew!
-Paeter
I was raised a PK, and I learned about tithing from dad. But when I wasn't tithing after I got out on my own, I found I had a lot of financial issues.
ReplyDeleteOnce I started tithing financially, and I mean literally taking the first 10% of my take home check and giving it back to God, I found my financial problems have gone away, and I'm now caught up and have even paid off bills because I started tithing.
The tithe is a sign of faithfulness to God's teaching and a outward display of trusting Him. He's asked us for a small portion back of what He's given to us. And by being faithful in that small act, we can know He'll be faithful with greater things for us.
Truthfully, I like being able to tithe regularly, because I know someday I will be able to bless other believers generously because God has given me the opportunity to do just that act of kindness.
However, in the light of bad economic times, it's understandable that some people want to cut back on their financial tithing. So tithe time by volunteering with an outreach ministry through your church. Or be willing to volunteer some time to the facility staff as well. Tithing was a tenth of your resources and gifts, and time and abilities count as resources and gifts.
Just MHO.