INSIGHT: Giving money

How does your faith shape your relationship to money?

What determines your giving practices?

When you give, does it rise out of a set of convictions based on the teachings of Jesus? Or, are you just making it up as you go? Do you even know what the teachings of Jesus and the early church are on giving?

More questions. What is your relationship to money? Does your faith in Jesus determine how you think about money, use money and give money? Do you give generously, cheerfully and with a grace-filled heart? Do you tithe? Do you know what a tithe is and where it fits into Christian beliefs about giving?

When you give, is it leftovers or is it first off the top? Do you believe that giving is a discipline that actually helps you manage your personal finances? Do you put money in the offering plate grudgingly or willingly, with a sense that you are transforming your community and world?

In other words, is your faith shaping your behavior?

Many churches now are struggling financially, and obviously, in a deep recession, that is to be expected as people lose income and are forced to cut back. But I would argue that the very reason we are in an economic slump is because, in our culture, we have failed to practice the wisdom of good stewardship. We waste too much on superficial things and do not invest well enough in things that matter. Our culture is, in a word, undisciplined.

The teachings of Jesus and the early church call us to live a disciplined life. Giving is one of those disciplines. It is one way our faith in God shapes our personal behavior. When we give, we intentionally lop off a substantial portion of our income for the purpose of supporting the mission of Jesus’ church.

Money is not used as a tool for control or power. Money is given as an act of devotion because we love Jesus. It is one part of what it means to live a life that gladly honors God.

I would also argue that if a follower of Jesus disciplines his or her giving, then the discipline of other aspects of life will soon follow and that life will indeed be better.

A better life is what you are after, right?