What are your first thoughts that come to mind when you think about earning? Naturally, I think about work and earning money to support my family. I also think about earning more to accomplish financial objectives such as increasing our emergency fund or contributing more to retirement. Finally, I sometimes think about earning more money so that we can take vacations or enjoy family entertainment. I suppose these thoughts are fine and natural for most people, but having the mindset of earning more to give more is God’s plan for us. Solomon wisely states this in Proverbs.
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. (Proverbs 12: 24 – 25)
I don’t know about you but this scripture speaks to me for a number of reasons. First, if we give, we can expect to gain more. Pretty cool, huh? It’s also a warning that if you withhold what is God’s, the end result is poverty. I don’t know that we can take that literally. I’m not a Biblical scholar, but I do know that it means good things can’t come from withholding our gifts. Finally, a generous man will prosper. A lot of things come to mind when I hear the word “prosper.” One could certainly prosper financially, but how about in health and relationships too? Certainly, that could be a part of prosperity. But, there is more. If we are givers, we will also be refreshed. What a wonderful way to think about our reward from giving as being refreshed in life. Let’s dive a little bit deeper into some of the benefits of giving.
Increase and Gaining More
I want God to trust me with more financial responsibility because I know it’s pleasing to him and it challenges me as a steward of his resources. Do you feel the same? A good example is a parent trusting a child with more responsibility. My oldest daughter’s eyes light up when I trust her with more responsibility. Perhaps it’s asking her to go get the mail by herself or feed the dog. Sure, I get the occasional role of the eyes from this six year old who sometimes thinks she’s 13, but generally, she craves more responsibility and thinks it’s a big deal when dad gives it to her. As a child of God, I feel the same when He trusts me with more money and responsibility to manage.
Other Benefits of Giving…
But giving has a few benefits outside of increase. First, you have the opportunity to help a greater cause such as growing a church or supporting missions. Both rely on believers’ support to help them grow God’s kingdom. Studies have show people experience joy when they give to others (Solomon says we will be refreshed!). Money may not buy happiness, but giving money reportedly increases our level of satisfaction and joy in life. Studies show it’s true and the Bible states the same.
Second, giving releases us from money ruling over our lives. Think about that for a moment. When we give away money we are changing the priority from us to God. It’s telling God that his purpose is more important than our desires. We could easily reason that we need the money to meet expenses and other needs, however giving the first part of our income to God shows we trust and value him the most.
How Do You Give More?
You might be thinking this all sounds good, but unfortunately, you don’ have the extra money to give because you have to pay bills and perhaps even have debt payments each month. Based on my personal experience I’ve found some ways to overcome these roadblocks to giving. Here are a few tips to consider.
- Faith - Remember that giving is about faith. Our family made the decision several years ago to give up expenses we felt were necessities, such as Christmas. But when we gave these things up to give more and did so consistently, God answered with an increase via a pay raise. Our needs were still met!
- Prayer – Pray for increase to give, not increase to spend. Certainly people often pray for additional money to meet needs, but instead, pray for money to help fulfill God’s purpose and carry forward his mission. Pray for God to use you as a part of his plan!
- Stewardship – Finally, accept your responsibility as God’s money manager and work with your spouse (if married) to really cut and slash expenses in order to put God first. Perhaps it requires a longer term plan to pay off debt to give more. That’s okay. I believe God will answer your desire for increase to pay off debt and to give more if it helps fulfill his purpose.
Giving gets to the heart of finances. And giving is where every financial plan or road map should begin. Without giving, I believe we are managing money according to our wants and desires with a lack of trust and faith in the Lord. Giving faithfully helps fulfill God’s kingdom purpose.
Photo credit: paloetic (time out)
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