| FEAR OF GIVING |
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FEAR OF GIVING
James C. Guy
There was a preacher who did not believe in ghosts.
In order to make a joke out of him, he was offered a large sum of money
if he would stay all night in an old “haunted house.” He, of course,
took the offer.
The next morning, when asked what happened and
how he was able to stay all night, he decided to make a joke out of them.
“I went in and sat down, and suddenly there were three ghost right in front
of me. I prayed and prayed, but when I looked up they were still
there. So, I decided to sing a couple of songs. My scratchy
old voice got their attention, but they still didn’t leave. I decided
to read the Bible to fight them with the “sword.” But, that didn’t
work either. Finally, I picked up an old bucket and started to take
up the collection and they disappeared instantly.”
Isn't it amazing how quickly some "disappear" when it's collection time.
The New Testament doesn't tell us how MUCH to give, but simply tells us
to give according to what we have prospered or gained (I Corinthians 16:2).
We can learn in PRINCIPLE from the Old Testament where they were to give
10% and more. Most studies show that, as a whole, we give an average of
MUCH less than that (generally less than 3% overall).
But, God is less concerned with the amount of the
gift (consider the widow's mite), or the percentage we give. What
God wants is our HEART of giving. Jesus said, "It's more blessed
to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Paul says "let
each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of
necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Giving should not be seen as a chore, but as an opportunity to share a
little of what God has given us, and of what belongs to Him in the first
place. David illustrated this after all the great gifts that had
been given by Israel for the building of the temple. In I Chronicles
29:9-14, it says, "....they had offered willingly, because
with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord....for
all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours....Both riches and
honor come from You, and You reign over all. But who am I, and who
are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For
all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You.
Don't be afraid of giving. Give as God has
propered you. But, you can't make God any richer. It all belongs
to God anyway, you are just giving "of His own." What God REALLY
wants you to give Him is your heart.
Copyright © 2002-James C. Guy – All rights reserved.
*Permission granted to reprint for church or ministry use in free material
(i.e. church bulletins, classes, sermons, etc.)
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