“Why Talk About Money?”

The preacher says: “So, if you really love God… get out your checkbooks, use your Visa card and bestow generously, because the more you give God… the more you will receive!”

The cynic in me hears: “I just bought a new Cadillac and the Jacuzzi payment is due, so if you suckers will just reach deep into your hard earned life savings, I will continue living an extravagant lifestyle you never dreamed of.”

Don’t you hate it? Churches and evangelists have a reputation of always asking for funds. For many years, like you, I have sat in the pew and complained. Which is why I’ve hesitated to ask for money myself. It also doesn’t help that my former occupation has a reputation for being cash crazy. Talking about our money is a delicate issue, but like it or not, it is one we all must hear.

“Why?” Because giving habits say a lot about what kind of person you are. It’s not necessarily the amount you give. While some give thousands without a thought, others will be straining to hand over $10. What really matters is: “Are you following God’s will in planning your giving habits?”

“Why so much emphasis on money?” After all, there are other ways to give. True, but experience has taught that if you are generous with your currency, you are also generous with your time, talents and prayers. Unfortunately, the reverse is also true. Have you ever heard this old saying? “If God could look inside your checkbook, what would He discover?” Personally, that scares me.

Several years ago, my preacher spoke in relation to this scripture: “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord Almighty. “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you!” (Malachi 3:10-11) A tithe means… a tenth.

“Give A tenth?! Are you crazy?!” Usually, when the offering plate was passed, I would stick in a dollar or five dollars or when times were good… twenty. A tithe? I was making a good income, but like most folks I still lived from paycheck to paycheck. “If I were to give ten per cent back to God, why that would be… a lot of money! No WAY!” But I couldn’t get that scriptural challenge directly from God out of my mind. “Try it! Let me prove it to you!”

Over the next few months, I resolved to first give a smaller percentage and see if I could work up to a tithe. Let’s just say, I tried it… reluctantly and hesitantly. Within six months though, I was enthusiastically tithing. Over the next two years, my giving went up dramatically, yet my finances got better! The only real change I noticed was not eating out as frequently. Bills were paid. Credit card debts were actually reduced. Here’s the fun part. I was becoming happier and more content.

The lesson for me is this: God does not need your money, but wants to use your money to teach us the power of faith and trust. Paul said it in 2 Corinthians: “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give.” (9:6-7)

Some lessons: 1) Plan all of your giving carefully and prayerfully. You may not be able to tithe yet, but do the best you can. 2) Give joyfully. Have some fun and be creative with your giving. 3) Give anonymously. Don’t brag. 4) Trust God. Despite occasional shysters and money goofs, have faith that God is ultimately in control. 5) Follow up your giving with volunteerism and prayer.    Some lessons: 1) Plan all of your giving carefully and prayerfully. You may not be able to tithe yet, but do the best you can. 2) Give joyfully. Have some fun and be creative with your giving. 3) Give anonymously. Don’t brag. 4) Trust God. Despite occasional shysters and money goofs, have faith that God is ultimately in control. 5) Follow up your giving with volunteerism and prayer.      

Each year, everyone in our church receives $5 and is challenged to use it for God. Later, we have a worship service and hear the stories. I am always amazed at the creativity and enthusiasm of everyone who responds. If we can do that with just $5, just think what God can do with your tithe. More important, think what God can do with you. Remember: “Try it! Let me prove it to you!”