Spiritual Disciplines
Day 18: Financial Generosity
Generosity has always been an area that stretches me and has broken me at times. It feels like money is the hardest to be generous with when there is an unexpected bill on my counter every month. Cars break down, medical emergencies happen, Christmas always breaks the bank, and your kids need new shoes. So why would God ask me to give a percentage of my finances when He knows I need it?
Well, probably because our finances often can be the hardest to give and if we can practice giving our money, then we can give anything.
Let me first say something that may surprise you, God does not care how much money you give. God does not need your money, and God will not bless you more if you give more money.
God only cares about one thing: your heart.
God desires that we surrender our entire life to Him. It is difficult to call Him “Lord of our life” if He is only Lord of some of our life. That includes your family, your job, your future, and of course, your finances. Often, we only give God what we are comfortable with and keep the things we want to control, but that’s not part of the deal. A relationship with God is not a buffet line, you don’t get to choose the things you want and leave the ones you don’t, no matter how unappetizing it might look.
The good news is, God is trustworthy with your entire life. He will provide for your needs in life, that’s a promise. So do not fear, trust in Him. Trust Him with your future, and trust Him with your finances.
Begin to pray and ask God how much He wants you to give out of your income. Pray for a long time, talk to your loved ones and ask them to pray with you. Come up with a number or percentage and do it, then watch and see how God takes care of you. You will get great joy in not only watching God do miracles in your life but also you will find joy in giving to a mission and vision greater than yourself.
Scripture of the Day
7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Examples of Financial Giving:
*Ask God to give you a percentage of your salary that you should give. Ask, listen and respond. No number is wrong, it is better to begin giving a little amount then to not give at all.
*Find a specific project or cause to begin giving to. Ask them what specific projects or causes you can give a one-time gift to. Sometimes it is fun to give to something very specific and see that event come to fruition.