We must understand that God’s grace in our lives demands discipline. This is why the great apostle of grace says, “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7, NASB). And in this matter of the grace of giving, there must be the discipline of giving as well. Before there are any outward disciplines of giving, there must be a disciplined understanding of giving.
First, you must bear in mind that giving is not a meritorious work which will enhance your position before God. Similarly, giving will not make you better than other Christians. Second, you need to understand that while giving will not gain favor with God, giving does bring blessing! Jesus said: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38). Correspondingly, Paul wrote: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6).
Admittedly these blessings are ESSENTIALLY SPIRITUAL. But which would you rather have — a spiritual blessing or a bigger bank account — INNER CONTENTMENT or a new yacht? Third, you must keep in mind that giving which pleases God is generous and sacrificial. As we have seen, the Macedonians gave out of their deep poverty. We can also profitably reflect on what Jesus said about the poor widow who humbly gave only a fraction of a penny: “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others” (Mark 12:43). Fourth, you must understand that what you give is to be determined between you and God. Giving should never be decided casually or flippantly, but through serious prayer — asking God what He wants you to give.
SELAH. GOD HELP US AND DELIVER US. TO HIM WHO IS ABLE, THE ETERNAL KING, BE THE GLORY, HONOR AND MIGHT.
References:
The Living Bible
Discipline of a Godly Man( Book by Kent Hughes)
Evangelist Eric Musa:
(My message continuously: If you are not saved: Believe, accept, receive and confess Christ Jesus as your Lord and Saviour and be filled with the Holy Spirit, as it is written; “NOW is the acceptable time, TODAY is the day of SALVATION.- 2 Cor 6:2”. For prayers, devotion, and to support the ministry contact Evangelist on +254722157300 ( Email: EMEA.ericmusa@gmail.com). Remember, God Loves you and I unconditionally, perfectly and always: SHALOM
