In the realm of giving, the Bible makes a distinction between tithes (the first tenth of our income) and offerings (that which we give that is above and beyond the tithe). I’m not here today to go into great theological detail about the basis for tithes and offerings or to debate the continued validity of the tithe for Christians who are no longer under the Old Testament law. What I am here to do is to encourage all Christians to give boldly, generously and with thankful hearts filled with love for God. (And no, I’m really not focusing on the monetary aspect of giving with this post. This post is about all of the other things we have been blessed with and have the privilege of offering to God).
Let me back up for a moment and say that the basis for this post was and is a desire to write and to teach as a love offering to God. Writing and teaching are specific areas of ministry that God has called me to do so that is where my focus lies. For you who are reading this, your area of focus and your calling will most likely be different from mine but what God wants from each of us is the same. Yes he wants our obedience but doesn’t he also desire (and deserve!) our love and generosity?
So many times I must confess that I sit down to write or prepare for my Sunday School lessons out of a sense of obedience (obligation?) to what God has called me to do. Or because I believe that I must encourage and exhort my brothers and sisters in Christ I will get to work on a post or a lesson and none of that is bad or wrong. But lately he has laid on my heart the desire to offer my time and talents out of genuine love, generosity and thankfulness for all that he has done for me. The end result may be the same but the motivation is sweeter and more joyful and the work and time spent becomes all the more blessed because of it.
I thank God for this truth that he has shared with me and I want to share it with you as well. Whatever it is that we have and whatever it is that we do we can choose, joyfully and thankfully, to offer it up to God as a love offering to him. I hope and pray that the Lord will inspire you in some specific way in the coming days and weeks and I rejoice together with you in the blessed result and joyful outcome of your offering.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)