A Great Deal

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  As it is written: ‘They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
 their righteousness endures forever.’  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 enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (II Corinthians 9:6-11 NIV)

Suppose I offered you $100 cash and asked only that in the next week you return to me ten dollars.  You keep 90% and give me back 10%.  I assume you would think that to be a great deal.  That is basically the deal God has offered us.  He gives us everything we have (Click here) and He asks us to give back at least 10% of that.  It is called a tithe, and while Paul says it is not obligatory, it was the baseline for giving in the New Testament Church.

Yet, most of American Christians don’t see it as a good deal for them. Only five percent tithe, and the average is two percent of their income. A lot of people are going reap very little!

There are a number of reasons for these dismal statistics—selfishness, greed, and debt among them—but they all have their root in a lack of trust in God.  We hoard what He has given us because we fear He will fall short in His promises.  If we give our money away, will we have enough?  Will our needs be satisfied?  Will what He provides be better than what we can buy for ourselves?  So we are inclined to tighten our grip on what He has so graciously provided.  And when people like me say what I am saying, we often get defensive and rail at how the church is “always talking about money!”

Yet, think about it.  Is God really asking so much?  He gives us everything and wants only a small portion of it back, and then says if we give Him that, He will give us even more! How is that not a wonderful deal?

Today, recognize how generous the Lord is with you.  Everything you have has come from His hand.  He has every right to demand all of it back, but instead He asks for only a very small portion.  Now that, my friend, is a great deal!

© Jim Musser 2018