Joe listened to the treasurer's negative report. Wish I could help more, he thought. Already in his eighties, Joe had a large farm near the city and through the years, it had become valuable. "Perhaps I could give land," he reasoned. "The church could sell it and pay its debts." I still farm the land, he remembered. But I could give it through my will."
Joe felt good after he'd changed his will. His land could support him now and pay the church's debts after he died.
The secret got out, and a church committee came. "We need money to pay our debts," remarked the Elder. "Would you give the land now?"
"I can't," Joe said. "I have no retirement, and the land supports the wife and me."
Tension grew as time passed. "Why can't Joe give the land NOW?," asked angry members. "His land could pay our bills." Many gave less, and some stopped giving entirely.
Poor Joe. He'd given because he loved his God and church. But instead of rejoicing and following his example, many grumbled and waited for Joe to die and fulfill THEIR stewardship!
God's Anti-Selfishness Campaign
God doesn't need our money; He owns everything. So why do we need to give offerings? To inoculate us against sin.
Sin began when Lucifer coveted God's power and position. He thought "#1" should have everything-even if it cost the peace and harmony of the universe. Selfishness developed into hatred: "If I can't have 'em, neither can You. I'll destroy God and everything He's made!"
This I-don't-care-about-anybody-but-Me! attitude infected humanity and evolves our race into tyrannical demons. Now we have met the enemy… and they are US! Our greatest foe is our unconsecrated self (CS 21), and without God's vaccine we'll become as hateful as Satan.
God's vaccine against total degeneration lies in teaching us unselfish love.
"…Our Redeemer, who knew man's danger in regard to covetousness, has…arranged the plan of salvation so that it begins and ends in benevolence…" (3T 548)
Our only hope: faithfully give tithes and offerings; serve helpless humans.
"Why" Is More Important Than "How Much"
"God so loved…that He gave." (John 3:16) Motive is all-important in giving. "God gives to us, that we may become like Him, generous, noble, and beneficent, by giving to others." (CS 22)
"In His infinite love He has granted men the privilege of becoming partakers of the divine nature, and… of diffusing blessings to their fellow men. This is the highest honor, the greatest joy that it is possible for God to bestow upon men. Those are brought nearest to their Creator who thus become participants in labors of love." (CS 23)
The church needs offerings to support its work. But God invites us to give for better reasons. Giving prepares us for heaven where the culture is based on love and giving. And we can enjoy heaven here when, as we worship God, we resolve never to come empty-handed. (Deut. 16:16)
The Affects of Giving
Paul said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35) Giving molds our attitudes after the divine Character, and reflects back upon us. When we give - whether we want to or not - we learn unselfishness.
God has a plan to counteract covetousness: "Give and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38)
Do you want to become loving and unselfish like Jesus? Then follow His example - and GIVE!
