Pastor's Corner: "It is better to give than to receive"

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

— 1 Timothy 6:17

The Bible has much to say about finances. Regarding this upcoming election cycle, some of the area pastors have been praying that God would put into office leaders who would follow what He has to say about money.

You and I can follow the above verse through the power of the Holy Spirit and make a difference in our lives and the lives of those we care about as we go about the Master’s business.

Paul has instructed Timothy to tell the congregation not to be arrogant. When God’s people obey His word, they often find out that you cannot out-give God. Those who faithfully tithe and give offerings sometimes fall into the trap of giving to get. Yes we should tithe and we should give offerings. But we should remember that we can only give what God has given to us.

God wants us to trust Him. It is a trap to look at our checkbook balance or bank account balance and trust the numbers rather that the God who provides us with the ability to acquire wealth. The recent stock market plunge and the decline of wheat and oil prices should remind us that wealth is so uncertain.

We are to put our hope in God. If you have been guilty of trusting in your money then I would encourage you to quickly repent from the spirit of pride and begin to trust Jesus who will provide for His people.

On the other hand, if you have been suffering under the spirit of poverty, then I would encourage you to trust God to give you a heart transplant so that you may begin to enjoy that which He has provided for you.

Both the spirit of pride and the spirit of poverty keep us focused on ourselves or things rather than on Jesus. A healthy balance may be to work as if we are working for the Lord, tithe and give offerings, and be happy hilarious givers when the Spirit moves on our hearts to bless others.

Jesus said it is better to give than to receive. We should recognize that all good gifts come from God and that we are stewards of that which He has given us. Remember that it is OK and even encouraged to enjoy the blessings of God within the boundaries of His word.

God does not limit our enjoyment because He is mean. He protects us from ourselves and others by providing us wisdom and discernment so that we may enjoy the abundant life that He has for us.

If you have yet to enter into the joy of the Lord, I encourage you to listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit and find the balance between giving, receiving, earning and enjoying the provision of the Lord. This may take some time, but do not grow weary in well doing. You will reap a reward at the proper time.

May we one day hear from Him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

God bless.