The Weirdo in the Giving Sermon

I am one of those weirdos who LOVES sermons about giving.  In fact, I daresay it's one of my favorite topics.  It's not a popular stance, I know.  For many it feeds the "truth" about church: They just want your money.  Personally, I don't buy it.  Pun intended.

The thing I love about the giving sermon is its hope, practical application and simplicity.  I leave church knowing exactly what I can do to participate, to put my faith into action and make a difference.  All this AND Jesus at my side? I'm in!

The hope in this message comes directly from God when God says TEST ME IN THIS (Malachi 3:10). I don't see it as a challenge from our pastors, but an invitation from God. As I read this verse, I can hear an eager voice and see twinkling eyes, BIG hand gestures. I think of my daughter reaching for my hand, "Mommy, let's GO!!"  I know that it is an investment with guaranteed return. The blessing may not be an answered wish but it is always exactly what I need, even as simple as peace.

The practical application in giving is it's something we can do whatever the circumstance.  We can talk about having faith but what about doing faith? It can be hard sometimes to define where that comes from but we don't have to make it difficult.  What activates our faith is when we take part in something we may not see right away, or ever, and being okay with that. It builds trust and a relationship with God.

I love the simplicity of giving: It's a tithe, 10%.  We complicate giving when we start working in the grey areas of negotiation and delay, prioritizing and indulgence. 10%. Do it now. Pay it first. That simple.

I understand worrying about money.  Because of my disease, I see doctors and get testing done regularly.  Medical insurance is massively expensive and unexpected medical bills are a hit to even the most diligent budget.  I understand negotiation. I've done it.  I just never feel at rest when I talk myself out of giving. It's not a matter of guilt. It's feeling like I don't get to be part of something bigger than myself.  It's the difference between jumping into the parade and throwing gifts and being on the sidelines picking up candy out of the dirt. No matter what we have been through, I have NEVER regretted an act of giving back to God. 

In the midst of the giving sermon this past weekend, I was thinking again about medical bills, mortgage, a car that needed to be serviced...the laundry list starts when you begin thinking about where your money needs to go.  As I wondered if I could get a pass on giving until my budget worked itself out, I saw the woman from the Bible giving her last 2 pennies (Luke 21:2).  In that moment, I felt blessed to still have something left to give. The knowledge of that turned my worry to joy and enthusiasm! If she could participate, our family certainly could.

The conversation of giving isn't popular but it's worth having. TEST HIM IN THIS.