Ancient Paths: Giving
In a world driven by consumerism and the constant desire for more, it's easy for our hearts and finances to become entangled in the trappings of this world. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to live differently. We are called to live a life of generosity, not just with our time and talents, but also with our finances. In this blog, we will explore the power of generosity and how it can help us reorder our hearts and finances using Jeremiah 6:16.
Jeremiah 6:16
This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.
Honoring God with our finances, starts with us saying to God “show me the good way”. It starts with our passion from him, the generosity of our hearts flows from our connection to God and his generosity.
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)
The Invitation to Return:
Just as the prophet Malachi called the people of Israel to return to God, we too are invited to return to Him. Our hearts and finances may have become entangled in the pursuit of wealth and possessions, but God's invitation is clear. He wants our whole hearts, and that includes our finances. By returning to Him and reordering our finances around His principles, we can experience the fullness of His blessings. This has always been true, and always will because God doesn’t change.
Malachi 3:6
6 “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.
His consistency is a place of security for us as we find ourselves inconsistent.
The Idolatry of Money:
Money itself is not inherently bad, but when it becomes the focus of our affection and the source of our worth, it becomes an idol. We must be careful not to let money control our lives or define our significance. Instead, we should see money as a tool for good and a means to bless others. By giving generously, we break free from the idolatry of money and find true freedom in Christ.
“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” (Psalm 103:10)
The rhythm we see in the Old Testemant of God providing a way for his people, only to have them reject and return to him time and time again. We see this play out again in Malachi:
“Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,”says the Lord Almighty.“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’“In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me.
The Practice of Tithing:
Tithing, the act of giving a tenth of our income, is not just an Old Testament practice. In the New Testament, we are called to give generously and cheerfully, according to what we have decided in our hearts. Tithing is not about meeting a checklist of dos and don'ts; it is about demonstrating our wholehearted devotion to God. When we give, we align our hearts with His and experience the joy and freedom that comes from living a generous life. It’s living out an example of Colossians 3:5:
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
The Power of Generosity:
Generosity is a superpower that can transform our hearts and finances. When we give, we break free from the trappings of coveting and find contentment in God's provision. It softens our hearts and pulls us into the mission of God. Generosity is not just about how much we give, but how we give. It is an act of worship and a reflection of our love for God.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse,that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LordAlmighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (Malachi 3:7-10)
As followers of Christ, we are called to live a life of generosity. By reordering our hearts and finances around God's principles, we break free from the trappings of this world and experience the fullness of His blessings. Let us embrace the power of generosity and allow it to transform our lives, our communities, and our world.