- bless us today
- protect and keep us from harm and evil
- that we will not be at the wrong place at the wrong time
- that He rewards our efforts
- that He will do for me what I cannot do for myself through His great supernatural power
- to make things happen that I could never make happen on my own
1. God Owns Everything
God is the creator of all that exists (Gen. 1:1), and He retains ownership of His creation (Lev. 25:23). The psalmist emphasizes this by saying, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it” (Ps 24:1). Not just a tithe or a tenth belongs to God – everything does. As David said, “But who am I and my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you and we have given you only what comes from your hand” (I Chron. 29:14).
2. We Are Stewards
At creation, God made human beings responsible for His creation: “Let us make man in our image...and let them rule...over all the earth” (Gen 1:26). And in the parable of talents, Jesus made clear that however small or great the gifts (not merely money) with which we have been blessed, He expects us to use them for His glory. “His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many thins, enter into the joy of your master” (Matt 25:21)
3. Money and Possessions Are A Powerful Temptation
Jesus said, “watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). Later He said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (Luke 18:24). Paul also warned us on this point: “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (I Tim. 6: 9-10).
As we move through the capital campaign, yield yourself to the perspective that your personal assets and funds belong to God. If you do, you will be more successful. Since God owns everything , it is up to God to give. It is largely up to God to help make your life succeed. True, life is a joint divine human effort, but the divine is 100% in the driver’s seat. The attitude of gratitude that believes strongly in the goodness of God is the foundation for receiving and giving. If you do not feel blessed nor that God is caring for you, then it becomes a very negative experience to be asked to give. So practice every day the fundamental awareness that God is Good. Then expect and watch as God provides opportunities, supplies your needs, gives to you in abundance, protects and keeps you from harm and evil.
Let's Make the Point: The theology of giving is that giving issues out of grace not guilt. We give as a response to God’s giving first.
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