GOOD GENEROSITY
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” Malachi 3:10, NIV
Theme: Give God the tithe and live a life of generosity.
HOPE PARK
When the park by the Lowe’s YMCA was being built, we had an opportunity to donate money and, in return, get a personalized picket on the fence surrounding the park with our family’s name on it. My children were little. I knew we would enjoy the park often in the years to come. I imagined having our name there would be fun: we could take a picture and show our friends, so I didn’t hesitate to donate. The reward was immediate. Our name is still there today. This is how we like to donate: to something we will enjoy, in a way that will be noticed, and appreciated. Yet, this gift does not honor God. It honors me – or whoever’s name I put on the picket.
IT IS HARD
When you haven’t yet experienced the result of God-honoring generosity, it can be difficult to begin giving. We think our money is ours. We think we need it all. Let’s be honest; we would rather spend it on ourselves or our loved ones. Giving money doesn’t give us the same immediate, emotional reward as spending it. I often feel worried or a little selfish as I prepare to give a greater amount or as I give generously to a new cause. That feeling is inaccurate. It never lasts. God is faithful every time I follow through in being generous based on His prompting. With practice, that ominous fear-filled reaction has less power and occurs less frequently.
Our culture has become creative in finding ways to help us feel honored when we give away our money: donor-named hospital wings, college buildings, bricks, posts, pavers, galas, and pickets (like mine). The tithe is quietly given. Ideally, only God recognizes our consistent and honest submission of the tithe. Offerings are given in addition to our tithes, and generosity is a habit formed intentionally. Start … even though it is hard. God promises a blessing. He asks us to test Him. He will provide you with more than a picket in return.
IT IS EASY
The regular practice of giving the whole tithe, plus offerings (that require a sacrifice), and working on continuing a life of generosity also yields an unexpected return. Giving gets easier. Generosity is like a muscle: it becomes easier to lift heavy when you practice consistently over time. I love God’s plan for the tithe because it is a percentage of what we surely have already. When we don’t have much, a tithe isn’t much. We also don’t often have the maturity or strength to give in great quantity.
In my experience, there is a positive correlation between generosity and financial stability. If we have trusted God, then as He provides more, we appreciate it more, our ability to give increases, and our willingness and enthusiasm to give increases, also. God says to give. He won’t leave you uncared for when you do as He commands. “[He] will throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing there will not be room enough to store it” (Malachi 3:10b, NIV).
Make It Personal: Where are you in the journey of generosity? Do you have a story of God’s faithfulness? Have you ever given Him the opportunity to provide abundantly for your needs as you participate in generous giving?
Pray: God, thank You for taking care of me and providing for me. You are so kind to offer both provision and blessing when I’ve trusted you with “my” money. I want to be a generous giver, and I want to be able to share my own story. You include us in Your work and invite us along for a grand adventure! Help me to take the first frightening step; I can’t wait to see how You will come through on my behalf. I have nothing to lose. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Proverbs 19:17, 11:25; Mark 12:41-44; Micah 6:6-8
Weekly Memory Verse: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8, ESV