When a preacher or anyone else begins to talk about money we get defensive and are on guard. It may be that we have been burned before. It is probably because we only have a modest amount of money, yet because we live in this world and have imbibed the spirit of materialism, we already owe too much to too many. We have to watch the shysters out there that are doing their best to relieve me of my hard earned money.

And when the church asks for more money, well, that offends us as well. Sometimes it seems that this is all the church is asking for – money, money, money. I hope that here at South Cobb that this has not been the case. But as our bills have gone up; as we have had to pay more for gasoline and all of the other things that trickle down as a result of it, we have to realize that the bills for the church has increased as well. At South Cobb we have tried to limit costs in every way that we can, and yet still carry out the work of the Lord.

For years I have held to the view of Henry Huckeba that when a Christian has his or her heart right with the Lord, then they will have their wallets, time and commitment right as well. I am still convinced of this. However, as Christians we also need to be reminded and taught about our responsibilities in giving to God.

How much shall I give? It might be easier if God sent bills. Careful evaluation determines the amount – but amount is not even the first thought. Let us consider:

Man must want to give. “For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing . . . for if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have . . . So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 8:3,12, 9:7)

Man must give himself to the Lord. “And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.” (2 Corinthians 8:5). God is interested in man, not money. When we give ourselves to the Lord first, we will not be likely to be stingy with our time and money.

Man must love the Lord. “Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of boasting on your behalf.” (2 Corinthians 8:24). The church at Corinth gave to help the needy in Jerusalem, and the motive behind it was love. Love for their brethren, as well as love for the Lord.

Man must recognize that he is a steward of what God has given him. God has entrusted us with the things that we have in this life – our jobs, our cars, our homes, our families . . . All of the money in the world belongs to God, and he allows us to use these things for our benefits. At the same time, he stresses that we will have to give account to God for the way we have used these things. The saints in Jerusalem understood this “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.” (Acts 4:32).

As we discuss giving, we realize that we will give in proportion to our understanding of how much God loves us, and how much we love him. As we see God’s love for us, we see that God gave us the world, his creation, for us to enjoy and use for our good. He has given us our homes, families and jobs. Most of all, he gave us his Son so that we could live with him forevermore. Now, realizing how much he has given us, we give him . . .