Last year I knew of two churches that conducted studies regarding the giving percentages of their members. The results surprised me. Both studies showed a similar result of financial giving by less than 50% of its members.
Both churches then taught series about what the Bible says about giving and the contributions for both churches increased. That makes sense. Once people understood giving, it caused the percentage to go up, right? Wrong.
The contribution increased, but the percentage of givers did not. What does that mean? The people who were already giving, gave more. The people who were not giving anything continued to not give anything.
This perplexes me. If a person is educated Biblically regarding giving, then why are there people, who call themselves Christians, not giving?
If you rank among the number of those who do not give, what is your reasoning?
The more I study giving the more clearly I see that giving is a heart issue and a faith issue. Wait a minute- isn’t giving a financial issue? No, it isn’t.
This week we’re going to examine the giving of three impoverished churches and see within our examination the model of giving that exemplifies true believers, but for now, allow me to leave you with just a couple of thoughts from the Lord Jesus regarding financial giving.
Acts 20:35 – …remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
If these were the only words were the only teaching that we had regarding financial giving, they should be enough to motivate us toward great generosity. Why? If we believe them, we will be excited to give, understanding that the more we give, the more blessed we are.
Luke 6:38 – Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”
It’s a simple giving concept – but it’s based entirely on faith. Do you believe that if you give generously that God will replenish your supply and return to you an even greater abundance?
If these two teachings by Jesus were all that the Bible had to say regarding giving, they are enough. Praise God for His rich abundance of Scripture dealing with this topic so that we can be left with no confusion.
It is my prayer this week that any confusion you have will be quickly resolved, not so our contributions will increase, but so that your faith and blessings will increase in Christ Jesus.
Much Love!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 huskerwes1@gmail.com
