Giving or Owning?

Surrender or Control?

We don’t often talk about money at the church. Maybe we should. I’ll have to get with the preacher and make a suggestion. :) Seriously though, maybe we should talk more about giving.

I’m aware of some of the arguments concerning speaking about money in the church. For example, there’s an idea that visitors don’t want to hear someone talking about money from the stage. Why are they always asking for money? That might have been a valid complaint at one time, especially in the nineties and early 21st century. However, I don’t hear churches doing that much anymore. In fact, IF money is spoken about, visitors are often encouraged NOT to give. If you’re a visitor here, we don’t expect you to give. We’re just glad you’re here.

Here’s the thing: Giving is a sign of discipleship.

The Bible is clear that the people of God tithe and offer sacrifices. Whereas animal sacrifices are no longer required because of the sacrifice of Jesus, giving should still be the identity of Christ-followers. That is, the people of God should be generous people. God has given to us; we should give to others.

The argument could be made (and often is) I don’t give to my local church but I give elsewhere. I get that. My wife and I don’t give 100% to the local church either. There are various ministries we support throughout the year. At other times, we’re led to give to ministries on a one-time basis. BUT, if a follower of Christ doesn’t give to their local church, I wonder why. Is it because there is a lack of trust toward the leadership? That needs to be addressed. If there remains a lack of trust, can those people continue to be your shepherds? *There may or may not be a post in the future regarding the individualism in our society.* Is there a lack of giving because there’s is no understanding of discipleship? That needs to be addressed as well. This idea is what I want to address specifically.

All too often, church people treat the Church as a secular non-profit business. Here’s what I mean: If a person is giving to the church PRIMARILY to get a tax rebate, are they really giving? If they wait until December for the “end of the year giving,” are they really giving or is it about personal benefit? If a Christ-follower always “ear marks” their giving for certain projects or funds, is it still their money or are showing they are simply stewards?

In the Old Testament, tithes were about supporting the priests and the temple. The people of God consistently gave a tenth of their (best) proceeds to God, signifying their obedience. In a sense, tithing was about their duty. Alongside their tithes, many offered much more than what was required. This would be their sacrificial giving - their offering. Whereas tithing was duty; offerings were a sign of worship. Neither was given for the purpose of receiving something in return. You might assume here that I don’t believe in a “health and wealth” gospel. If so, you would be correct. Giving with any selfish motive is manipulation!

Does not the concept of giving require a lack of ownership? In other words, once someone decides to give it should signify their willingness to give up any control. If I need to clarify something, please let me know. If you disagree, let me know that as well.

My conviction is to give means to give. Anything less signifies ownership. If there is hesitancy to give or giving with an ulterior motive, I question the gift.