Some people should not be giving. They just really can't afford it. They shouldn't worry about helping others when they are looking after themselves.
This is a secular, faithless thought that enters my head. What?? John Smith gave? But... I remember he said such and such. Why is he giving?
Often we think, "The people who have a lot of money, they should give. Once I have more, I'll give too."
There are finance classes circulating several churches, helping people to develop financial peace. This is admirable, as many are in debt and want the skills to be more responsible. But many of these classes also say, "Don't give until you are stable, firmly situated with a nice cushion, just in case."
This makes sense, right?
Does it?
It depends what kind of sense you want to make.
Couple things I've learned in life: (in the vast 23 years of it!)
- Living by faith and not by sight is hard. Whether it's Abraham leaving home for the unknown and waiting for a promised but absent son, John Smith waiting for the next paycheck, Jane Doe giving away something she actually really needs, or Missionary Bob trusting God will provide, faith is hard.
- Safety nets are wonderful. I'm not sure I would have made a good disciple. When Jesus sent the 12 out to preach, he told them not to bring any food, extra clothes, or other supplies. I like being prepared - making do without or depending on others is hard.
- Giving is often rewarded. Not only can it bring us closer to God as an act of worship, there is also joy in giving and helping others. And (not always, but sometimes) what we give may be replaced or even increased.
Couple things I've learned through God's Word:
-Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Seeking out a life that makes me OK without God is like saying - "Thanks, but I got this. If I need you, I'll give you a ring." Check out the parable of the man who was blessed with a lot and built a second barn to store it all in. (side note: I'm not saying being financially stable is a bad or godless thing, just that seeking it above all else isn't exactly biblical. The stable, wealthy women who supported Jesus and his ministry are spoken of highly).
- Generous, cheerful, often sacrificial giving is strongly encouraged and praised. Living with an open palm was the norm for the early church.
I am guilty of clinging to financial security. A friend recently reminded me to not stress so much about my savings account. But I am learning, and trying to grow. Can I "afford" to support a missionary? No, not really. But I do. I make other things work around it. And there are a few other missionaries I wish I could support (and hopefully will once my paycheck isn't being swallowed whole by bills). If we are to seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness, should we not give to it first as well?
So when that passing thought sneaks into my head, "Why and how is John Smith giving?" Or worse, "I certainly can't give," I will smack it right back out. Why?
Because giving is not about the amount or the apparent ability.
Giving is about the heart. It is about an attitude of selflessness and caring for others and obedience to God.
I am blown away by so many who practice this. There are many John Smiths in my life who give out of love and obedience who want to be part of God's work and get in on the action. I'm excited they get to share in the blessing. I am amazed by all those who give, from $5 to $150 a month, because they give joyfully what God has enabled them to give. And I overflow with thanks and praise to God.
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work... Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone." 2 Corinthians 9:6-14
