February 16
Raising kids, not funds
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NKJV)
It's been well stated that "tithing isn't God's way of raising funds but His way of raising kids." There's a powerful truth to that, and it plays into what we've been learning the past couple of days. Prayer and fasting are spiritual practices that are faith-based, and our faith increases as we do them. Tithing, or giving financially to the Lord's work, falls into the same category.
In the eyes of naturally minded men and women, giving your finances to a ministry or local church doesn't make much sense—especially in this economy! It's all about the income to expense ratio. Increase the income and decrease the expenses! If it's not a necessary expense, then cut it out of the budget, because after all, you lose that money when you spend it.
Faith has a different perspective. It sees a bigger picture. Faith recognizes that God is the one who is ultimately responsible for our income and resources. He's really there. He's really in control. And He's really pleased when we open our hearts and our purse strings to support the things that have His heart. Faith understands that there's no wiser investment than to give to the Giver of all good things.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17 NKJV)
God wants us to give. But it's because He knows that in the act of giving to His causes we're giving our faith a workout. And it's the growth of our faith that the Lord is most concerned with. He's training us to march to a different beat, and giving is one more way of accomplishing this in us.
Think About It…
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
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