Giving and the difference it makes

Last month, I didn’t give to God from my income. This month I did. What difference has it made?

Last month, I lacked peace. I was stressed about money. My income belonged to me, and I felt responsible for making it last till the end of the month. My trust was in the wrong place. Certainly, it was not in God. And the Bible says that God will keep in perfect peace the person “whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah. 26:3).

Trust requires belief and action. The child who believes her daddy is dependable leaps into his arms.

Perhaps the best way to demonstrate my belief that God will supply my needs is to give back to him from my income. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why God expects us to give. And isn’t this honouring to God? By actively trusting Him, we declare His trustworthiness. Imagine how you would feel if you invited your toddler to leap into your arms and he refused?

In proverbs it says: “honour the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of your produce” (Proverbs 3:9). It makes sense. Giving affirms that my income comes from God and belongs to God. It declares that I trust God to provide for my needs. It is one way of saying: “my life belongs to you God”. Sounds honouring to me!

So this month I have enjoyed a peace that I didn’t enjoy last month. I have slept better. In fact, I’m feeling mildly exhilarated. Sounds good, hey?

Cheers for now - Ian