This past Sunday, my church finished a sermon series called Extravagant Generosity by observing Consecration Sunday, which in the Methodist church means that members estimate the amount of money, time and service they are going to provide their local church over the next year. In typical Methodist fashion, the celebration is closed with a feast!
So, in classic Meg style, I didn’t offer my estimate nor did I attend the meal. Here’s why.
- I don’t make any money. I’m a stay at home mom and therefore, do not bring home a paycheck.
- I’m scared to commit my time. Seemingly, every time I try to get involved, something else gets in the way that forces me to bow out – then I look like a complete flake.
- I have trouble with obedience due to a lack of trust and faith. What if I give time and money and it conflicts with my family or with something else important? What if I don’t have enough money to pay the bills? What if something bad happens and I can’t live up to my commitment?
Basically, sounds like a bunch of hooey to me! Excuses, excuses, excuses!!!!
Now, there are lots of arguments on tithing. I’m sure it could be disbuted whichever way you want it to go. However, ask yourself one question. Has God withheld the glory of His blessings from us?
Hmmm. I woke up breathing today. I saw the sun shining and the birds singing. I’m not hungry. My children are healthy. I’ve survived tragedy and death of loved ones.
IN ALL HONESTY, I DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH FINGERS AND TOES TO COUNT MY BLESSINGS ON….
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 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. 2Corinthians 9:6-8
WOW!
Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. Malachi 3:8
YIKES!
But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. Luke 11:42
UH, OH!
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
HMM…
Therefore, my action items to get closer to tithing out of joy, love and obedience are these:
- Pray for joy in giving.
- Pray for love for others.
- Pray for obedience in all that I do.
Give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38
It’s time to consider my many blessings and the extravagant generosity that God has bestowed upon me and then extravagantly give back with my money, time and talents.
I can’t wait to see how God changes my heart and life with this simple and important change!
It would serve us all well to remember where our money, time and talents came from in the first place!!!
Some Wisdom for Today: Proverbs 3:9-10 – Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
I love your 3 prayers, and I love this quote: “I can’t wait to see how God changes my heart….” There’s some willingness to yield and some faith, my dear friend. Love you. 🙂 This post blessed me…I’m gonna write the 3 prayers down. 🙂