I am finishing up a study of Galatians in my personal bible study, and I ran across a verse yesterday that I don’t think I really thought about before: Galatians 6:6 “And let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches.”
I am married to a pastor’s kid, was raised in the church, Dave and I were missionaries for four years, and Dave, for a short time, was an associate pastor…so I am familiar with the ministry. I understand the needs families in ministry have. And, having seen church from both sides of the pulpit, I know that giving is one of those issues that makes people uncomfortable. Some people hate it when giving is mentioned at all. It makes them angry – how dare they ask for money?? Others just don’t think about it – they are barely making ends meet as it is!
But, folks, giving isn’t optional. It is required. The verse above is just one example – one that reminds us that, when we have people investing their lives in us, to teach us the word, to counsel us, to help us and our community, we must share what we have with them so they can keep doing it.
The Old Testament word is “tithing” and it means 10%.In the New Testament, we are told to be cheerful givers (2 Cor. 9:7). We are shown the example of the Macedonians, who gave to Paul, not out of their wealth, but their poverty, to ensure the work of the ministry continued, even though they had to sacrifice in order to see that accomplished (2 Cor. 8:1-5).
We are to give generously to those who invest so generously in us. The plate or bucket or whatever it is that is passed around at your church isn’t there to make you feel guilty or angry. It is there to help you be obedient. It is there to allow you to help your church run – to pay the bills, to meet payroll, to help missionaries, to feed the hungry…
It’s easy to make excuses – especially around this time of year. But those excuses aren’t from God. He – not your pastor – has told you to give, generously and cheerfully. And as with all his commands, there is great joy in obedience.
God gives us all many good things. Don’t forget, in this season of giving, to share those good things with your church.
