Psalm 35:27 *Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant*
*BASIC BIBLICAL INJUNCTIONS* (D)
Sometime ago, I heard the amount some gave towards a reality show that adds no eternal value. The amount was staggering and one would ask If the programme has any value for humanity.
Again, anytime I see the amount professional footballers in Europe collect for running round the field kicking a round leather, it is staggering. Aside entertainment, there is no other value added. Football saves no one yet companies and fans lavish monies to support the game even some believers.
*4#. Generous Giving*
2 Corinthians 9:6 (NLT) says, *"Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop*".
As we worship God with our substance, Paul the apostle introduced another dimension to giving, it is called generous giving. It means to give lavishly.
In generous giving, we are not bound by a fixed percentage. This is a higher dimension than giving 10%. A believer who understands generous giving will graduate from giving 10% to generous giving which could be any amount that is higher because God owns all that we have not just a percentage of it.
Long ago, I made up my mind that I will give beyond 10%. Some have a habit of not giving much after giving God 10%. That doesn't reflect the spirit of generous giving.
In the early church, did you notice there was no emphasis on percentage? The giving culture was generous giving. Men sold properties and gave the proceeds to the early apostolic church. That church lacked nothing for missions and welfare through their generosity.
Acts of the Apostles 2:45-46 (NLT) says, *"They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need [46] They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity*".
In the spirit of worship, as stewards of God's resources, we don't put a limit to what we give to God neither do we wait until there is a need in God's house before we extend our hands of giving. We do it generously.
For instance, in missions, needs abound. There are many outreaches to do because the whole world has not been reached with the gospel of Christ. There are many churches to be built and welfare programmes to be executed among unreached people. There are thousands of missionaries yet unsent.
These things need no announcement. The primary use of resources in God's kingdom is to advance the frontiers of the gospel. If worldly people are giving generously to programmes and entertainment that has no eternal value, shouldn't we do more for the Lord?
*If eternity is our focus, it will reflect in our giving*.
Father, I receive the grace to be a generous giver in Jesus name.