Giving is “hard” in Northern Virginia
– from David Plunkett, Stewardship Committee
When Christians give, they model the creator. We are never more like God than when we give! True giving is based on love, and not compulsion. How much we should give isn’t governed by law, but by our hearts. And, our hearts are to be totally committed to God. It’s a relationship!
However, giving isn’t easy. This is especially true in an area as expensive as Northern Virginia. We make more money and it costs more to live. Studies show that the cost of living has outpaced income growth over the past 12 years. Little wonder that, as the Gallop Poll reports, half of Americans suffer from financial anxiety. This tends to make us less likely to be generous in giving.
Some churches answer this by developing a budget and charging dues, like a country club. Some demand a W-2 and assess the tithe. Pay your tithe or leave. Some make giving a condition of membership. Some use shame. None of these are Biblical (2 Cor. 9: 7). It misses the point of giving. Our giving is only meaningful if it comes from the heart.
Every Christian should give. We should give because we are made in the image of our Creator who is infinitely giving. Our giving shows a heart that is right with God. When we have faith, giving is a natural response to God’s grace. Giving is part of a complete commitment to God. We honor God through our giving. And, our giving is always an act of humility and submission to God.
But… the reality is that many of us have debts and expenses which put pressure on our ability to give. It isn’t always easy to give.
It is hard not to worry about our money. Jesus often told his followers not to worry about money. In Matt. 6: 31, Jesus reassures us that we shouldn’t worry because God knows our needs. With that fresh in their minds, the disciples still fretted about money. Philip fretted that it would take eight months’ wages to feed the multitude in John 6: 7. Peter asked what they could expect to receive for having given up everything to follow Jesus (Matt. 19: 27). In Matt. 26: 8-9, all of the disciples are indignant when the woman wastes perfume that could have been sold to raise money.
I wish I could say that giving will make our financial worries magically disappear. The Bible doesn’t say that – the worries of this world will always be with us. One thing I know is true, though. Whether we give or not, financial worries will always be there. But if we have given ourselves completely to God as we are called to do, and are focused on heaven, then our worries fall into perspective.
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Phil. 4: 11-13.
If we believe in the promises of God, then we should not worry about money. The Bible doesn’t deny that poverty and suffering are real. (John 12: 8) It also instructs us to pay our debts. (Rom. 13: 7) We live in the world, but we are not to be part of the world. (2 Cor. 10: 3)
Either we believe God’s Word, or we don’t. It is wrong to let worries about money keep us from being faithful in our giving. So, who should give? You should give.