In recent years, the campaign against giving to the church and her outreaches assumed a diabolic dimension. It all started like a fight against certain excesses in the body. Truly, there are excesses and many unbiblical practice around the matters of giving&receiving.
Looking deeply, Satan used that avenue to create in the hearts of people a culture of stinginess towards genuine kingdom causes because they assumed all preachers are the same. How did I know this? Some people vowed never to give a dime to churches or pastors again.
Others sounded sympathetic towards missions despite hating on the church system and pastors. They forgot that the same God called the genuine pastor in the city&the missionary in the village. You can't hate one and love the other. You cannot talk down on pastors as though they are doing nothing and praise missionaries.
Some of them have made statements like, "My giving will go to missions&missionaries only". Till date, they haven't given a dime to missions. Their promise to give came from the wrong spirit. I detest those kinds of giving. It lacks conviction and understanding of stewardship.
Another thing you must offer to God in your consecration is your silver and gold. This refers to your possession. As a steward of God's resources, you should not be 'possessive' of what God kept with you.
In all religion globally, it is only in the Christian faith giving comes under attack through unnecessary debates. Out of envy, I have seen pastors attack other churches perceived to be blessed. I have seen Christians react negatively to their leaders who appeal for money for just causes but I am yet to see muslims do all of these when they raise funds for Da'wah.
Satan knows that If he can cut the flow of finances towards kingdom programs, our advancement remains a pipe dream.
You cannot walk with God genuinely and not give to him. Giving is one of the proofs of love and authentic christian consecration.
Like Frances Ridely Havergal hymn of consecration, offer your silver and gold unto the Lord.
