In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul encourages his readers to be generous in their giving because it will result in thanksgiving to God and men will praise Him for the obedience that accompanies their confession of the gospel of Christ.
Read Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:11-15 (NIV) - “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
Before turning my life over to Christ, I remember that my giving was from what was left after paying the bills for the month, or limited by my thought that the leadership was not making the choices I would make for the use of the money. After I came to understand that my life and my money are not mine but belong to the Lord, I started giving to Him first, without conditions, and paying bills next. I suspect, like me, that many folks did not grow up in a home that taught tithing, and as a result did not develop an understanding of what blessings come from giving with a cheerful heart. I also did not develop a trust early in life that God would meet all of our needs if we first trusted him.
Tithing is basically an Old Testament guideline. As I have learned as I grow in my knowledge of Him, God does not need “my” money – He needs my heart. If you are unsure whether you can make ends meet by returning a small portion (10%) to the Lord’s work first, then I suggest starting by cheerfully giving 3-4%. Watch Him supply all your needs as you gradually increase your giving to the Old Testament guideline. More importantly, remember that whatever you decide to give will result in praise and thanksgiving to God.
~Gerry Schrader
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