Giving is Worship

Today we are embarking on our Lenten Journey. 40 Days Breaking the Chains: A Season of Giving. We are committing to learning how to be good stewards of the resources that God has blessed us with as well as learning how to have an attitude of gernerosity. We want to learn how to be true givers into the Kingdom as giving is worship.

First, though, this point must be made, we bring offerings to God not because he "needs" anything from  us, but to  acknowledge him as the source of all things and to give our thanks  to him. He is not “served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything”. He is pleased, however, when we, consistent with divine revelation, exhibit the spirit of generosity.

One of the greatest hallmarks of true Christianity is generosity. The Bible tells us true happiness is found when we give. And when we give, we are simply imitating God who is the biggest giver of them all. It can be tempting to slow your giving to the work of the Gospel when you are dealing with lack. But this is a dangerous practice to get into because the Bible tells us that God watches how we use the money that He places into our lives as a way to examine our hearts.

We know that God owns everything. The money that has entered your life is a test, pure and simple. Everything is His, including the money sitting in your bank  account. He is not a tyrant that demands all of your money. Instead, He is a  loving Father who knows what’s best for His children. And He knows that the  greatest joy in the world is found in giving of ourselves and our resources for His divine purposes.

The first thing we must do is change our thinking on giving. Our beliefs on Christian giving have been beaten into us many times by well-meaning preachers  who need funds to pay a utility bill and who view you, not God, as their source.  As such, they ask you to reach deep down into your pocket to receive God’s  “extra special” blessings. This is absurd and must end. God is not concerned  with how much you give. Instead, what He cares about is what your gift costs you. Again, God is not impressed with the size of your gift. Instead, what He  cares about is what your gift costs you. The reason God cares about what your gift costs you, and not about the size of the gift, is because giving is worship. And for giving to become worship, it must cost you something. It must be sacrificial. But  obviously, if worship must be commanded, then it is not truly worship. You can give but not worship. But it is  impossible to worship and not give something, yourself, your time, your spirit.

Think about it this way: When you give because you have to . . . it is law. When you give because you feel like you need to . . . it is an obligation. But when you give simply because you want to out of the depths of your heart . . . it is love.

If you are currently giving to a church or to a ministry, examine why you are giving to that particular ministry. Are you giving simply because you feel like you have to? Or because you need to? Or are you giving because you simply want  to bless the Lord with your gift?

If you are not currently giving any money to further the cause of Christ, you  should search your heart to find out why you are not giving. Eliminate every obstacle to giving.
 
How does one give a sacrificial gift?

Most Christians will never have the opportunity to lay down their lives; and  they wonder how  then can they show the sacrificial love that Christ displayed for us? The answer. By giving of  their time, talents and treasures. When we fail to do this, we show we don't love our brother or our God.

We can give back to God is through our finances. Giving money to support God’s work is a joyous opportunity to participate in God’s work. We  can honor God through contributions to our church, missionary organizations, and various other ministries.

We can also give back to God through our time. By donating our time to God’s work, we proclaim Him worthy of our love. Spending time reading His Word, praying, telling others about Him, and gathering together with other believers  is essential, but we should also consider spending time in activities such as visiting the elderly, tutoring young children to read, or helping to build homes for low-income families. God wants us to take the love He has given us and give it to others.

And there are many benefits from giving back to God. A deeper love and commitment in  serving God will develop in you. In times of stress your faith will be stronger. You will have inner peace, joy, and grace ... a sense of  fulfillment. Your focus will be less on physical provision, and more on  worship. There will be a greater desire to share what God has freely given you  As God has given to you generously, you are to give cheerfully, not by necessity or  grudgingly.

Here is what I ask you to do today. As you reflect over your life and what God  has done for you, ask yourself, do you openly share your joy and abundance with those less fortunate? When you give, do you  expect something in return? Is this Biblical giving? Is your giving for the glory of God, or for a tax write off  at the end of the year? Does your act of worship include  obedience, giving glory to, asking God to use you in service, and to sacrifice your time or resources for His glory? After  all, your time and resources are gifts from God.

During this 40 Day sacrificial season I encourage you to pray each day and ask God to show you what sacrifice he would have you to bring. He may answer with some a gift, talent, resource or ability that you can offer to use for His divine purpose. And as you give back to God as a daily act of worship and  lifestyle, when you come to the feet of Jesus and bring your sacrifice for a while, you will really learn to worship. Your worship will take on a new meaning as you begin to give yourself away freely and cheerfully so that God can use you!