Finding Financial Balance: Giving预览

GROWING IN TRUST BY GIVING

There’s no question! The more money we have, the more secure we feel! There is wisdom in saving for the rainy day, and this concept is not contrary to the wisdom found in Scripture. However, there can be a pitfall: a false sense of security. For Christians, our trust and security should rest fully in our Lord. This isn’t easy. Complete and total trust and dependence on Him are not learned overnight. One of the roadblocks that will stand in the way is trusting in your own ability to accumulate wealth as your safety net. Did you hear those words? “Trusting in your own ability.” This is the opposite of where our trust should be. How do we get over this hurdle? How can we cultivate this peace-giving discipline of total trust, dependence, and rest in our Father?

According to the Bible, one practice that will help lead our hearts to put our ultimate trust where it should be is the practice of giving. This is especially true when we practice the principle of first fruits giving or percentage giving. This type of giving does not wait to see what money is left and then give, but rather gives first with a trust that there will be enough left for other needs. As you read from Luke 12:22-34 today, notice that this very well-known call of Jesus not to be anxious and not to worry is very closely linked to the challenge to give. As you grow in regular giving, you may find yourself saying something like, “Okay, God, I’m giving to help others, and I’m trusting you to help me.” When you pray like this, it’s a wonderful sign that your trust is placed exactly where it should be.

We trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7b)

Ask Yourself:

— When was the last time I gave in such a way that it felt like I was trusting God to provide what I needed?

Pause to Pray: Oh Lord, my provider, I want to learn to trust in you with my whole heart. I want to begin giving in a way that reflects that trust. Please show me where to begin. Amen.

Take a Next Step: Pray about a percentage-giving goal and commit to giving that percentage for a set timeframe (for example, three months).