Two men were marooned on a tiny island. One man paced back and forth worried and dreadfully frightened, while the other man sat back, whistling and sunning himself. The first man said, "Aren’t you afraid we’re going to die here?" "Nope," said the second man. “How can you be so sure?” the first man asked. “Well, you see…” said the second man, “I make $100,000 a month and I tithe faithfully to my church… My Pastor will find me."
Did you laugh at that? That is a funny story, but it speaks
of a perception that isn’t true in most cases. The perception is that pastors
are motivated to preach on giving because of their selfish concern for the
church budget and building program. Do pastors shy away from preaching on
giving so as not to appear focused on the bottom line? (not this one) No, our
mission is not to “pay our bills,” instead our mission is the glory of God
through gospel sharing and serving others!
Can’t we just assume if people are growing spiritually they
will eventually learn to give? Consider this: there is no other area of
spiritual growth where we make assumptions that believers will grow without
reminders, exhortations, and accountability. Do we learn to pray, witness, or
serve without being taught these things? No. Nor should we learn to give
without being taught to give.
The reality is the bible speaks extensively about giving,
tithing, sacrifice, sharing, and stewardship. Therefore, we should have the
conversation and challenge one another to such obedience with regularity. We
should embrace the conversation about giving with great joy and give, give,
give!
