Money is a touchy subject. In fact, some 35 percent of people who responded to a Harris Poll sponsored by SunTrust Bank blame the stress in their relationship on financial issues. It can also be a controversial subject in the church. To tithe or not to tithe, that is the question. Whether we are against tithing or for it, we must all realize that God looks at the heart. We should never be pressured, mislead, or manipulated into giving. It should always arrive from a place of love.
True grace causes giving. If you want to get someone to give, show them grace. In the Bible, the rich young ruler was given the law and was left sad. When we look at a rich ruler named Zacchaeus, he was given grace and gave joyfully. Why? Because love gives.
Jesus once said, 16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His [a]only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) (NASB). Notice that God’s love for us was the purpose for His ultimate sacrifice. His most prized possession, Jesus, was given to us so that we might be saved. You will give to what you love. If someone does not believe in the vision of a church, they will not give towards it. Yet when someone has been impacted in their hearts and has the love of God, they will give.
The Internet is immoral; it is neither bad nor good. Yet there are things on the internet that are not good. There is not a problem with technology, there is a problem with the heart. In the same way, money is immoral. It is neither bad nor good. What we do with our money can be something bad or something good.
The Scriptures tell us, “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10). Oddly enough some get the idea that money is the root of all evil. This verse does not say that. This explains that the love of money is the root of all evil. You can be flat broke but still love money. The context of this verse is telling us that wealth is not the end goal. Our pursuit should be, “…righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11). Yes we should make a living and provide for our families, but the end goal is not to gain, it is to give.
We can take nothing into Heaven, but we can take another person with us. Let us keep our eyes on the things eternal and use our resources to reach people for Jesus. God has no problem with us having money, but He wants us to remember that we are blessed to be a blessing. God loves it when we give because that is who He is. God is a giver. We don’t give to be blessed, we give because God has already blessed us. The very fact that we have income and resources is because of God. That is why every time we eat, we pray and thank God for what He has given to us.
If you enjoyed this article, I encourage you to be our guest this Sunday at High Five Church. This Sunday will be a celebration of one year at High Five Church! How amazing is that! I am still amazed at the grace God has given to use to be able to preach the gospel this year. If you have ever walked through our doors or given to our Ministry, I want to give you a very special thank you! It is because of you that we are able to advance the Kingdom of God.
Courage With Grace Ministries 