Weekly Words

Why Give?

I cringe when I hear most preachers talk about giving. Either we make giving like the stock market and promise exponential returns on people’s investment to God by promising that if people give they will receive ten, twenty, or one hundred times their initial offering, or we promise things like healing of disease, a new job, a new house, or a new man for the grand sum of $100. There are three main problems with this line of “begging.” First, it makes giving all about ourselves and not about God. If we give simply to receive more blessings and obtain more money, we are really not focusing on anything other than self gratification. Second, and closely linked, is the fact that when we give like this we are not trying to give to God we are trying to trade with God. (And arguably trying to rip God off, but I digress … ). Therefore, when preachers seduce us to give by offering more for less, we are really not asking people to give. Third, for the most part these are empty promises. To be sure, I do believe that there are people who have received miraculous healing, have been blessed financially, and have received supernaturally good fortunes. Yet, if we were to do a follow-up survey/study on the after effects of people giving an offering in which they were promised things, I think the results would be startling.

Now … now, to all my Holy Ghost cheerleaders who are getting mad at me let me take time to explain exactly what I am saying. I am not denying the testimony of anyone who would give voice that God has blessed them because they give. However, we can not deny all the testimonies of the offering giver who did not get healed, and the seed sower who is still broke because their hundred dollars did not become ten thousand dollars. The truth of the matter is that when preachers guarantee specific blessings for giving, they are lying. Whether we like it or not God blesses those who give extravagantly and God blesses those who don’t give a dime. There are rich people who are committed tithers and there are rich atheists. The Bible says, “In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: a righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness.” (Ecclesiastes 7:15 NIV) The point I am making is, just like living right does not equate to long living, giving right does not equate to ballin’ and shot callin’.

So why give? Well, here is the best I can give you. Give to honor God and give a tangible expression of your love for God. Give to offer a tangible expression of your gratitude for what God has already done for and to you. Give to achieve the spiritual wholeness that comes when we are not simply a recipient of blessings and benefits. Give to leave a legacy and broaden your sphere of influence on earth. Give so that your community can be improved. Give to lend the financial support to institutions that are committed to trying to grow people spiritually. GIVE BECAUSE GOD ASKS US TO GIVE. No matter what the preacher tells you, God does not ask you to give to a particular church. However, if you are not going to take the time to make sure your money goes to Godly endeavors, you should at least take the time to find a church or any other vessel that is involved in God’s work. Then, by giving to that work you give to God. No gimmicks, no games, just a few reasons to think about giving.

Humbly in Christ’s Love,
Pastor B.A. Jackson