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* (E)
Worship is the central focus of our relationship with God. Our lives should give God glory likewise our attitude when offering our substance to God. Those who approach God like a business partner miss the whole point. You cannot reduce your creator to a mere trade partner, If you do, where is the worship he deserves?
Pauline injunctions about giving to the Lord underscores what we are talking about. The guidelines he gave about giving must be adhered to If our offerings will be acceptable unto the Lord
*5#. Give Cheerfully*
2 Corinthians 9:7 *"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*"( NIV)
What does it mean to give cheerfully? It is simply a giving that comes from the heart. This kind of giving is done joyfully and with all wllingness. The joy of the Lord must accompany our giving.
There are two things that takes cheerfulness away from giving. The first is coercion while the second is lack of understanding about stewardship of resources. We have dealt with the first previously but we need to discuss the second.
Some who come to church feel it is out of place for the church to ask for offerings. Somehow, they love everything about church until it comes to money or giving. They become critical when it comes to this issue. At that time, Satan tells them all the money goes to the pastor's purse. All manners of things run through their mind.
They don't care about the funding of church programmes and outreaches. As far as they are concerned, the pastor should sort that out. It is his job. They love missions with their lips but not with their resources. Religiously, they pray God to be with the missionary but will never give their resources to go with him.
Those in this category do not raise questions when asked to lavish money on mundane things. They are generous to Satan but stingy to God. I think that is just the best way to describe them. Most of them fail to realize they are not the owner of themselves nor the monies they have.
God has dealt with me severally along this line. I have experienced situations where God instructed I give what I thought was for my enjoyment. As a servant under a master, there is no need to argue this with my master.
We own nothing, God owns everything. This understanding will help us better as stewards. When there is a kingdom demand to give, God is asking for His resources in our care not ours. No steward in his right senses will become unhappy with his master for demanding what doesn't belong to him. All that is required is faithfulness and obedience.
Paul says, *"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful*"( 1 Corinthians 4:2).
Father, give me the heart of a steward in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.