God Doesn’t Need This—We Do
… for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.
Philippians 4:15-17
How often have you seen a pastor stand in the pulpit and praise God that the parking lot fund didn’t make its goal? Instead, the church (through its well-meaning representatives) will too often wheedle, cajole and extend deadlines until the money is in. No wonder outsiders draw the conclusion that God is out for “our” money.
Giving, as it is represented in Scripture, is a free and joyous act. It can only be so, however, if we have already reached an understanding that everything we have is a gift from God. There is no joy found in nickel-and-diming God or sending Him on His way with pocket change.
One of the core principles of Christian finance is to give to God first. It is the only way that we can learn to trust Him. This seems downright irresponsible to one who has not realized that God holds every aspect of our life in His hands, not just our money. The fortune of a lifetime can evaporate in an instant if God wills.
The best testimony I have ever heard on sacrificial giving came from a man who shared his experience during a church service many years ago. He said he had never received any “mailbox money.” (A miraculous windfall out of nowhere.) But after he had decided to trust God with his finances, he noticed that the tires on the car lasted longer and the bill he was expecting wasn’t due after all. For many, the most amazing result is a calming of the itch to acquire, replaced by a new peace and gratitude for all God has given you.
When you have to wrestle God for the last few dollars in your checking account, He will feel distant and adversarial. When you give to Him first, you live in anticipation of how He is going to bless what remains. That is called a relationship. And that is what we need most of all!
But godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).
Nancy Shirah
