Catch up on the previous posts in this Women with a Mission series here.
So, today let’s talk about giving. Giving is another ministry we can all participate in no matter what our life circumstances are. No matter how much (or how little) money you make. No matter how many bills you have. No matter what is going on in your life. We all have something to give.
Here are the common questions: Does God want us to give 10%? More than 10%? Should the 10% go to my church…and then what about other needs? Should I only give part of my 10% to the church so that I can have some leftover for “other needs”? There are SO many “other needs” out there. Which ones should I choose?
And what in the world does it mean to give sacrificially?
I’ve been a part of these discussions often…and it’s a tough topic. But here’s a conclusion I’ve drawn after studying this topic recently: I think we’ve limited our ideas of what giving means.
I think that when we hear the word “giving” we think of a tithe…the check we write to the church…the occasional food we take to the food pantry…the money we might choose to give every once in a while to an organization we believe in. All of these areas ARE a part of giving and we should absolutely be doing this.
But, what do you think about this idea…
The idea that when we use every bit of our money wisely and for a real and godly purpose…we are actually giving 100%.
We use our house for hospitality and to take care of our family. Therefore, our mortgage and utilities are a part of our “giving”. We work to eat well and take care of our bodies…as well as feeding others in our home and outside of our home as much as we can. Therefore, our grocery spending…that’s giving. And on and on about all of the things we spend money on. (Kinda makes you look at toilet paper in a whole new way, huh?) :)
On the other hand, if we buy a bunch of “stuff” and waste the money we have…that results in nothing. It isn’t living sacrificially…it isn’t using our resources for God.
I haven’t figured out “how much” is the right amount to give and how often to give and who all to give to. But I’m coming to the conclusion that giving like God wants us to give might just simply mean living wisely…spending frugally…not wasting what we have…always being willing to share…
So, no more excuses about not having enough to give. And no more guilt about not being able to give more.
No matter how much you have. You can give 100%.
Just do what Jesus did. I’m pretty sure Jesus didn’t have a very big bank account. Yet he came to earth just to give. He gave of himself. He gave what he could…his healing…his compassion…his time…his touch…his love. And he fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish. The five loaves and two fish one hungry little boy was willing to give.
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Share with us. What do you think?
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Check out Finer Things Friday!
ahh Just beautiful Laura!
I think you’ve summarized giving very well! A godly woman gives all day long, doesn’t she?
Very nice!
I have loved each and every one of these and you can just keep going. You are blessed in your teaching.
Roberta Anne
I have never heard it described that way. I was just thinking about this yesterday and struggling with what I think is right. I feel like I just got my answer. I love how God works!!!!!!
Thanks!!!!!
Laura, thankyou for allowing God to use you through this series. I really needed to read that this morning. Sometimes money is soo tight. I feel like my giving is so insignificant. And, some people can be hurtful and judgemental on this topic. Thanks for reminding me that we are to be like Jesus-not like the pharisees-in our giving. Jesus knows our hearts! Thanks, Laura…I want you to know, I love starting my day with your blog!:)
Laura, I really needed to read this today. I think that I have a tendency to put giving in a compartment, like we sometimes do God. What you wrote makes so much more sense and it fits better in my life. Thank you so much. Instead of a prayer warrior, you are a blog warrior.
P.S. I happen to know that you are a prayer warrior too.
I was sooooo going to ask you to link this up to Finer Things Friday, and then I was afraid that would be pushy, and then you did it anyway! YAY! And thanks. ;-)
By the way — fabulous perspective. I read it to Lance, even.
This is an amazingly inspirational post ! Thanks !
It is great to see how God works in the heart of the giver and the person who receives the gift. We try to give more than we can when it is impressed on our hearts. God has stretched us a few times, but it has been a blessing to see how God works. Giving is definitely a finer thing!
Thank you for your perspective. I feel it is a mature one and not narrow-minded like so many I have read concerning this subject. I once asked about this topic on a large frugal website, and wow, was I criticized. Some of the people did not think it was wrong to be living in consumer debt and mortgage debt, and some didn’t have health insurance, but they were adamant about tithing!
It should not be MORE important to focus on tithing than any other of God’s words. God looks at our hearts and our sincere efforts to do our best with what we have.
I give in ways that we can. Our budget is tight like so many these days, and there’s no more room to cut back. However, I give goods that I have (like groceries and HBA items I am able to get inexpensively). Not only do I feel like it’s something God would want me to do, it makes me feel good inside to be able to give. When I donate items, I just give them without getting a tax deduction. For myself I feel it’s something that I want to do since God blesses me freely I want to give freely as well.
I have also found myself in discussions about “giving” or “tithing” too many times to count. I really enjoyed your post because it put a whole new perspective on giving. Thanks for sharing your ideas!
Thank you, Laura. The way the word comes from you makes me smile every time. I appreciate you.
Laura, I simply love your blog. I have something to add if you don’t mind. I believe the bible teaches us first to work,then to pray if we still don’t have our needs met and third it teaches us to leave an inheritance for our children. Also,if we have honest debts to pay, we need to pay those first, because that is not our money. I hope you have a godly day.